Braniște

History

The Braniște commune in Rîșcani district, with a population of nearly 1,300 inhabitants, consists of the villages of Braniște, Avrămeni, Reteni, and Vasileuți. The commune is situated in the Prut River valley, across from the Romanian locality of Ștefănești, Botoșani County. Only due to the fact that during the USSR period the commune was located in the border zone, where access was limited, has nature preserved its charm. At the edge of the commune lies the "One Hundred Mounds" reserve, which is visited by thousands of tourists during the summer. In the Deep Valley there is a pond with an area of over three hectares. The village of Braniște was mentioned in documents in 1613. In old times it was a customs point; in ancient documents it also bore the name Butești of Stavru (Stavăr), a former famous boyar in the Ciuhur district. The Ciuhur district included four settlements with the same name – Botești. Over time, Botești of Stavru transformed into Braniște, Botești of Velișco took the name Butești, Slobozia-Butești became Reteni, and another hamlet Butești is known today as Brînzenii Noi.
The church dedicated to "St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel" in the village of Braniște was built in 1954, of stone. It has an architecture similar to many churches in Moldova. The church preserves cult objects of historical value, such as icons and old crosses, representing an important element of the local religious heritage.

History
Legend
Beautiful places
Figures
Photo Gallery
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Legend

As is well known in historiography, the personal domains of medieval rulers, used primarily for hunting, represented the princely braniști (reserves). These belonged exclusively to the prince and could be used by him at his discretion. At the same time, a princely branište is understood as "a place with sparse forest, covered with grassy vegetation."
Being a strictly personal domain of the prince, in which boyars could not be involved administratively or from other points of view, certain parts of the princely branište benefited persons or institutions that were in cordial relations with the prince. Only after the legal procedure of donation or confirmation of a part of the branište could the beneficiary use the land with what existed on it for various purposes. Branište is a word of Bulgarian origin - brani'te, meaning "to forbid" or "to prohibit," being in wider circulation in former times, but today passed into the passive lexicon. Its basic meanings are: (1) "reserved forest in which cutting of trees is forbidden," (2) "reserved hayfield."
The servants who had in their care the guarding of the braniști were called brănișteri. The same name was given to the dignitaries who collected the tax on branište, for mowing, gathering, and hauling the hay destined for the princely court.

The Wind's Hollow

Venture to the northeast to witness a mesmerizing natural phenomenon carved directly into the clay banks. Known as "The Wind's Hollow," this geological marvel features dome-like structures sculpted by the patient hands of time and weather. It is a rare and wild formation that beckons geology enthusiasts and nature lovers alike to explore its rugged beauty.

Natural Beach on the Prut river

Just steps from the village stadium awaits a rustic paradise of natural sand. This charming beach offers a summer haven for sunbathing and cooling off in the refreshing waters of the Prut River. It serves as the perfect finale to a day of hiking, offering a spot to swim, relax, and witness unforgettable golden sunsets.

The Mound with Three Shoulders

Along the route to Pascauți, mere hundreds of meters from the village edge, stands a modest mound radiating a unique and vibrant energy. Local folklore claims that storm clouds break against it, shielding the land. It is a serene sanctuary connected deeply to nature, offering a peaceful escape where you can rediscover yourself far from the daily rush.

One Hundred Mounds

The natural monument "One hundred mounds" is located between the villages of Cobani and Braniște. It represents a hilly landscape along the Prut and occupies six terraces near the Prut. It is the only place in Europe, where the sediments of the ancient seas, which once bathed this territory - the Tortonian and Sarmatian Seas - are concentrated.

View from the Holm

Sheltered by the forest edge lies the Holm, a spectacular vantage point boasting a panorama that defies description. Gaze down upon the village tucked snugly in the valley, the sprawling fields, and the winding river to see how nature and rural life seamlessly intertwine. It is the ultimate spot for a picnic, a hike, or a quiet afternoon of awe-inspiring contemplation.

At the Pitcher

Hidden near the forester's lodge lies a secluded sanctuary where the dense forest canopy provides cool shade and profound silence. Known as "At the Pitcher," this simple yet welcoming retreat features a resting spot perfectly suited for weary hikers. Pause here to sip refreshing spring water and lose yourself in the rustling leaves and melodious birdsong.

Matei Donici (1847–1921): Bessarabian Romanian poet and general.
J. I. Farber (1889–1968): Argentine poet and fabulist of Bessarabian origin.
Alexandru Moșanu (1932–2017): Historian and politician, President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova (1990-1993).
Leonid Talmaci (b. 1954): Former Governor of the National Bank of Moldova.
Boris Vieru (1957–2019): Journalist and politician.