Located in the heart of the country, in the northwestern part of the Criuleni district, at a distance of 60 km from Chișinău, the village of Mașcăuți is the only village with this name in the Republic of Moldova. For two decades, it has hosted a unique event on the list of local cultural and recreational activities—the “Pe dealul Chiclăului” Regional Folk Rhapsody Festival.
The caves, nestled in Chiclău Hill, are like eyes watching day and night. From here, at dusk during the warm days of the year, a multitude of bats escape. At the end of one of these caves, there is an icon carved in stone.
Every two years, the “Pe dealul Chiclăului” festival is organized in Mașcăuți, where villagers have the opportunity to showcase their finest works: crocheted items, vintage objects, painted icons, and various dishes prepared according to recipes known only to the local housewives. The festive spirit is maintained by the “Răzeșii” folk ensemble.
The village is also notable for the famous manor where the writer Ioan Sârbu grew up. The Sârbu family home preserves not only the history of the noble family but also that of the entire village. The memory of the Sârbu lineage remains alive through the honoring of the burial sites in the village cemetery, belonging to those who were part of this Bessarabian noble stock. The Mașcăuți gymnasium bears the name “Ioan Sârbu.”
The picturesque surroundings of this village have attracted several filmmakers. Consequently, the films “Casa mare,” “Tunul de lemn,” “Viforul roșu,” and others were filmed in Mașcăuți.
A current attractive location is the “EcoVila” tourist guesthouse, located in the so-called “Râpa Chirăului.”
Mașcăuți is one of the oldest settlements in Moldova between the Prut and Dniester rivers. The first document mentioning the Mașcăuți estate dates back to July 17, 1436. It is a charter issued by the chancellery of the rulers of Moldavia, Ilie and Ștefan, to the logothete Oncea, confirming several rural localities, including Mașcăuți.
The name Mașcăuți is derived from Macicăuți, a village with apiaries and mill fords, which took its name from Macico the Russian. According to the free peasants (răzeși) from the lower half of the village, he owned the old mill ford, the lower ford where his mill was located. There is also a legend regarding the village’s formation, stating that during the times of Tatar and Turkish invasions, a brave man named Uță Mașcu lived here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Chiclău Hill in Mașcăuți?
Chiclău Hill is a natural landmark famous for its bat-inhabited caves and a unique stone-carved icon, serving as the focal point for local tourism and folk festivals.
What cultural events take place in Mașcăuți?
The village hosts the “Pe dealul Chiclăului” Regional Folk Rhapsody Festival every two years, celebrating local crafts, traditional cuisine, and authentic Bessarabian folklore.
How old is the village of Mașcăuți and what is its history?
Documented since 1436, Mașcăuți is one of Moldova’s oldest settlements, known for the noble Sârbu family manor and its history as a scenic filming location for Moldovan cinema.