Cricova
Cricova | |
|---|---|
Town | |
Cricova Location within Moldova | |
| Coordinates: 47°8′N 28°51′E / 47.133°N 28.850°E | |
| Country | Moldova |
| Municipality | Chișinău |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Victor Slobozianu (MAN) |
| Elevation | 122 m (400 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 9,536 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Area code | +373 22 |
| Website | Official website |
Cricova (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈkrikova]) is a town in Chișinău municipality, Moldova, located 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) north of the capital. It is best known for its vast underground wine cellars, among the largest in the world, which have made Cricova one of Moldova’s leading tourist destinations.
Overview
The town of Cricova was first mentioned on July 31, 1431, under the name Vadul-Pietrei (“Stone Ford”). Later, the name Cricău appeared in Zamfir Arbore’s geographical calendar, eventually evolving into the modern name Cricova.
Cricova lies near the Ichel River, a tributary of the Dniester that supplies water to Chișinău. The town itself does not draw water from the Ichel. A lake located near the river’s northern section, close to the entrance of the Cricova wine cellars, has traditionally been used for fishing and recreation.
Near the town are several mines used for limestone extraction, some of which are more than 50 years old.
Demographics
According to the 2024 census, 9,536 inhabitants lived in Cricova, a decrease compared to the previous census in 2014, when 10,669 inhabitants were registered.[2][3]
- Moldovans[a] (82.5%)
- Romanians (9.00%)
- Russians (3.80%)
- Ukrainians (2.90%)
- Others (1.70%)
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | 5,490 | — |
| 1989 | 7,164 | +30.5% |
| 2004 | 9,878 | +37.9% |
| 2014 | 10,669 | +8.0% |
| 2024 | 9,536 | −10.6% |
- ^ There is an ongoing controversy regarding the ethnic identification of Moldovans and Romanians.
- ^ In March 2023, the Parliament of Moldova passed a law updating all legislative texts and the constitution to refer to the national language as Romanian, effectively rendering the term "Moldovan" obsolete.[4][5]
The geographical indication Cricova for wine
Cricova is famous for its underground labyrinths. The greatest part of Cricova’s wine production facilities is placed underground, at a depth of 60-80 meters, creating a huge underground wine city with avenues, streets and broadways. These labyrinths offer a unique, favorable microclimate that gives typicity to the wines. All year round, the naturally constant temperature there remains at +12° to +14°C, and the humidity at about 97 per cent to 98 per cent, the most propitious conditions for developing and aging fine wines. [6]
By adopting Law No. 322-XV of 18.07.2003 on the Declaration of the Complex “Combinatul de Vinuri “Cricova” S.A.,” an Object of the National-Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Moldova, the Parliament created a special regime for the use of the geographical indication Cricova for wine. [7][8]
Twin Towns
- Noceto, Italy
Gallery
References
- ^ Results of Population and Housing Census in the Republic of Moldova in 2014: "Characteristics - Population (population by communes, religion, citizenship)" (XLS). National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova. 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
- ^ "Rezultatele finale ale Recensământului Populației și Locuințelor 2024: Caracteristici etnoculturale ale populației". National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova. (in Romanian)
- ^ "2014 Moldova Census of Population and Housing". National Bureau of Statistics of the Republic of Moldova. (in Romanian, Russian, and English)
- ^ "Chisinau Recognizes Romanian As Official Language". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. December 5, 2013. Archived from the original on September 23, 2016. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
- ^ "Moldovan parliament approves law on Romanian language". Reuters. March 16, 2023. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ "Cricova Winery". Wine Travel Awards. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
- ^ Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Republic of Moldova - UNESCO World Heritage Convention". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
- ^ "Geographical Indications: An Introduction, 2nd edition". www.wipo.int. p. 28. Retrieved December 5, 2023.
External links
- "Official Site"
- Cricova profile on chisinau.md site (in Romanian)
- Description of cellars with photos and an interactive map