Suta de Movile: Moldova's Mysterious Mounds

Suta de Movile, Romanian for 'Hundred Hills,' is a remarkable protected area in Moldova's Rîșcani district, near the villages of Braniște and Cobani. Despite the name, this unique landscape actually features over 3,500 mounds scattered across the Prut River valley. These rolling hills, ranging from 1.5 to 30 meters in height, create a captivating and unusual sight, resembling the burial mounds of ancient Scythian and Sarmatian tribes.Legends surround the origin of Suta de Movile, with some believing they were formed as burial mounds for fallen heroes after great battles between nomadic tribes. The largest mound, Movila Țiganului, stands nearly 30 meters tall and was thought to be the final resting place of a Scythian chieftain. However, the true story lies in geology. Around 20 million years ago, the territory of Moldova was covered by the Sarmatian Sea. The mounds are composed of sedimentary rock formed from ancient landslides and the tides that once flowed over the region.Today, Suta de Movile offers visitors a chance to experience Moldova's natural beauty and delve into its rich history. The area provides stunning views, especially from the highest mounds, and is home to diverse flora and fauna. It's a place where the echoes of ancient seas and nomadic legends blend, creating a truly unique and memorable destination.