O SUTĂ DE MOVILE

The natural reserve of the Hundred Hills (Suta de movile) is located between the lake of Costești and Cobani. It is bordered to the west by Braniște, Răteni, Avrămeni and the Prut River which marks the border with Romania. The reserve covers 1,072 ha and is administered by the local authorities and an agricultural company. The environment is characterised by a covered steppe of 3 500 mounds of various sizes, ranging in height from 1.50 to 30 m (like the Gypsy hill), extending over a length of 8 km and a width of 2.3 to 1.7 km. The landscape is remarkable and undulating. It is part of the great chain of coral reefs extending to the north-west of the country. Scientists and geologists believe that these are ancient submarine reefs dating back 20 million years. For some, landslides also played a role. For a long time, many legends were linked to these hills. For some, they were burial mounds erected after battles. Dimitrie Cantemir mentioned this place in his book Discriptio Moldaviae from 1716. General Bauer indicated the place on his map of 1772.

The landscape is beautiful with its undulating steppe, small plains, plateaus, hills and terraces that invite to walk. The place is green with many oak and cherry trees. Herds of cows can be seen. At the top of some hills, you will have a beautiful panorama of the surroundings.