The cellars from Cricova are truly unsurpassed in the world. Here the history, archeology and art of winemaking united as a whole formed a real Underground City. Currently, the wine city covers an area of 53 hectares, and the underground galleries, transformed into streets, have a total length of 120 kilometers. The depth at which the labyrinths are located can reach up to 80 meters, depending on the terrain. As in a real city, there are streets, traffic lights and road signs. Only the labyrinthine roads have more unusual names such as: “Cabernet”, “Dionis”, “Feteasca”, “Aligote”, “Sauvignon”, so each street corresponds to the name of the wine that is kept in the adjacent niches. Throughout the year, the temperature in the underground galleries remains constant, around +12 … + 14 ° C, while the relative humidity of the air is about 97-98%. It is due to these natural conditions that it is possible to preserve and mature high quality wines, as well as classic sparkling wine, with the formation of their authentic character.

In fact, the famous cellars appeared as a result of the extractive activity in these places, so from the very beginning the basements were stone mines. Many buildings in Cricova, Chisinau, Balti and other Moldovan cities were built of limestone extracted here. Limestone is still being extracted in some branches of the galleries, so this huge underground city continues to grow!

The Cricova cellars house a remarkable collection of wines – Oenoteca, which began in 1954. The collection includes almost 1.3 million bottles of wine, each with exceptional qualities and an extraordinary history. Unrepeatable specimens have been collected over the years from different parts of the world, all together they represent the precious treasure of both the plant and the country.

The pearl of the collection is the red dessert wine “Easter Jerusalem”. It is the only specimen in the world that has been preserved from the 400 bottles bottled in 1902. Another unique specimen is a liqueur also produced in 1902 in the Czech Republic. We are talking about Jan Becher liqueur, which is based on 27 medicinal herbs and which is still produced today.

The most valuable collection of Oenoticia is that of the high Nazi dignitary and commander of Hitler’s aviation, Hermann Göring. It includes about two thousand elite wines such as Mosel, Bordoeaux, Porto, Tokay, Chablis. All specimens were produced from the 1940s grape harvest. These wines were captured by Göring from countries opposed by the Germans. After the war as a military trophy, the wines were first brought to Moscow by Soviet soldiers and almost all drunk. The remains of the collection can be found in Cricova

The National Collection is constantly supplemented with new samples, both through exchanges with other wine collections and through purchases made abroad, as well as from the account of elite wines made as a gift to the Combine. However, the pride of Oenoteca is primarily the wines of the brand “Cricova”, awarded medals and diplomas at the most prestigious international competitions.

The uniqueness of the Underground Complex is ensured by five large, spacious and imposing halls, in which the elements of classical architecture are intertwined with modern ornaments. The halls are decorated with stained glass windows, tapestries, wood carvings, carved by the most skilled folk craftsmen in Moldova, which are true works of art.

“European Hall”

The stained glass windows of the famous “European Halls” give life to the vine in all seasons. In this room is also made a glass panel that represents the vineyards of the “Cricova” Combine. Here were created all the conditions for the organization of congresses, symposia, business meetings.

“Bottom of the Sea” tasting room

The name of the hall symbolizes the depths of the Sarmatian Sea, which existed here about 12 million years ago ( Miocene era), on the bottom of which the crusts of prehistoric mollusks were deposited and petrified. The originality of this room comes from the limestone ceiling, in its raw natural form, which is reflected as in a mirror in the aquatic decor with shades of blue-green. On the walls are painted decorative aquariums that give the room a touch of extravagance. At the same time, the hall is equipped with modern technology, thanks to which the true mysteries of the sea can be heard.

“Presidential Hall”

Many high-level meetings take place here, with state dignitaries and celebrities from our country and abroad. The room, very spacious, contains thematic images in the field of viticulture and vinification of the Republic of Moldova. Visual artists have created a broad vision inspired by the beauty of the ancient world. The antique atmosphere is created by the panels of the room, executed in a bright, rich range, full of elegance and refinement. The works are designed in bas-relief technique, preserving the classic traditions of ancient relief. Artwork and wooden furniture are of great value for the solemn decor of the room. Other elements of interior decoration are the monumental doors framed in marble frames.

“Fireplace Hall”

This room is distinguished by a noble interior, and the predominant element in the decor of this room is the fireplace, generating a warm and relaxing atmosphere. The range of colors of the interior and the decorations accentuate the hunting style. In a quiet and intimate atmosphere, guests will feel comfortable and completely free from daily worries. The “fireplace room” is a perfect place for a hearty dinner with friends or to spend a romantic evening.

“Big house”

This room is named after the most beautiful room of a traditional house in the rural area of Moldova. The hall is decorated with oak furniture, decorated with national decorative motifs. The rustic atmosphere prevails in this room due to the wooden ceiling with beams, which creates the impression of antiquity. As it should be, the walls of the “Great House” are decorated with embroidered towels and woolen rugs, all adorned with geometric and floral elements.

The Underground City is home to a museum that has housed unique exhibits from all times, which describe in detail the history of winemaking. In the Cricova museum, there is a vine imprint that was discovered in the village of Naslavcea. This imprint dates back to about the 5th century BC and once again confirms that wine has been produced in Moldova since ancient times.

At the same time, in the museum were collected several equipment that were used in viticulture and vinification. Here are two wooden presses from Greece and the Roman Empire. Also, a traditional Moldavian press from the 19th century has been preserved, which can still be found in some villages in our country. Another exhibit found in some Moldovan households and in the Cricova Museum is a crusher, used to ferment grapes. Clay amphorae, jugs, wine bottles, a barrel cart – these are other exhibits that can be admired at our museum.

For the first time in the Republic of Moldova, Cricova inaugurated a stone cinema. Located at a depth of 80 meters, on the street “Lumière Brothers”, the cinema, which is modern and contemporary, can accommodate 40 people. It has been included in the tourist route, so visitors can watch the documentary film that describes the history of the “Cricova” Winery. Also, various events and public presentations can be organized here. The launch of this project brings an element of originality, distinction and contemporaneity to the rusticity of the cellars.