Cricova () is a town in ChiÃÂinÃÂu municipality, Moldova, located north of the capital. It is best known for its vast underground wine cellars, among the largest in the world, which have made Cricova one of MoldovaâÂÂs leading tourist destinations.
The town of Cricova was first mentioned on July 31, 1431, under the name Vadul-Pietrei (âÂÂStone FordâÂÂ). Later, the name CricÃÂu appeared in Zamfir ArboreâÂÂs geographical calendar, eventually evolving into the modern name Cricova.
Cricova lies near the Ichel River, a tributary of the Dniester that supplies water to ChiÃÂinÃÂu. The town itself does not draw water from the Ichel. A lake located near the riverâÂÂs northern section, close to the entrance of the Cricova wine cellars, has traditionally been used for fishing and recreation.
Near the town are several mines used for limestone extraction, some of which are more than 50 years old.
According to the 2024 census, 9,536 inhabitants lived in Cricova, a decrease compared to the previous census in 2014, when 10,669 inhabitants were registered.
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Cricova is famous for its underground labyrinths. The greatest part of CricovaâÂÂs wine production facilities is placed underground, at a depth of 60-80 meters, creating a huge underground wine city with avenues, streets and broadways. These labyrinths offer a unique, favorable microclimate that gives typicity to the wines. All year round, the naturally constant temperature there remains at +12ð to +14ðC, and the humidity at about 97 per cent to 98 per cent, the most propitious conditions for developing and aging fine wines.
By adopting Law No. 322-XV of 18.07.2003 on the Declaration of the Complex âÂÂCombinatul de Vinuri âÂÂCricovaâ S.A.,â an Object of the National-Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Moldova, the Parliament created a special regime for the use of the geographical indication Cricova for wine.