Moldovan craftsmen and entrepreneurs give the past a new life in … the Stone Age
Moldova may not boast many architectural marvels that could be deemed environmentally friendly, yet on a trip north of Chisinau something intriguing can be found. Not far from the Old Orhei Monastery, nestled amidst fields, forests, and vineyards in the small village of Brănești, lies the remarkable Epoca de Piatră (Stone Age).
It is a structure unlike any other, carved directly into the rock, with a fascinating history, as it was built on the site of the oldest limestone quarry in Moldova, dating back over 400 years.
In recent decades the quarry and surrounding area have been owned by the family of Vasile Dulger. Twenty-five years ago Mr Dulger, who still runs the company, grew mushrooms here, but was eager to transform the property. The huge excavated areas soon led to the idea for a new purpose, and he decided to open a restaurant-hotel.
The restaurant in a cave is still the only one of its kind in Moldova, but it is much appreciated both for its food and in terms of eco-values. It required minimal material consumption as it took advantage of the natural rock formations, and therefore there was no need to cut down trees or transport materials from far away, as the Epoca de Piatră simply used what was excavated from the quarry.
The project excels in energy efficiency, too, as it can mostly rely on natural thermoregulation – in winter, the cave is warmer than the outside, while in summer it is noticeably cooler inside.
A good night after a good meal
The restaurant-hotel fits beautifully into the environment. It appears as a natural extension of the landscape. Thanks to being carved into the rock, the construction didn’t require converting the land, and thus preserved the local ecosystem and reduced the impact on the natural landscape.
Currently the restaurant and wine cellar spread over 10,000 square metres, and construction is underway for Moldova’s first “cave” hotel with 10 unique rooms. They will have natural stone “roomscapes”, showcasing the most unusual interior design solutions: beds on pedestals, stone benches in bathrooms, and walls and ceilings with the characteristic cave shape. A large spa area is part of the final construction stage, with a sauna, swimming pool, relaxation areas, and massage rooms. Only the final finishing and decorative work remain.
Craftsmen and artisans
It is important to note the cultural value of the project. The interiors combine the aesthetics of the Palaeolithic era with Moldova’s national characteristics. Furthermore, local craftsmen – carpenters, smiths, stonemasons, and other artisans – were involved in the construction and interior decoration. It should be mentioned, too, that Vasile Dulger himself is a trained carpenter, and he chose to rely on his and other craftsmen’s skills in design, so no architects were involved in the project.
Last but not least, inside the caves where the restaurant and hotel are located there is no Wi-Fi connection or broadband network, so nothing distracts guests from enjoying the pleasures of good food and wine in the company of loved ones.
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate that the Epoca de Piatră has a direct underground link to the Brăneşti Winery, located in a former limestone mine the runs for some 75 kilometres. The winery cultivates 800 hectares of land, set in a beautiful forest zone near the towns of Old Orhei, Romanești, and Tudor, producing white, red, sparkling, and dessert wines. Its cellars hold over 58,000 bottles, and the winery also offers storage of private collections in the perfect conditions.
