Râşcov
Râşcov (in Moldovan; in Russian: Rashkovo) is one of the oldest towns of Moldovan region of Transnistria (internationally considered as part of Moldova). It is located in the northern part of the country, between Rîbniţa and Camenca. It was founded in 1402 as a trading post on the Dniester river.[1]. The name means a kind of mushroom in Romanian language, that is Lactarius deliciosus by it`s scientific name.
The Atlas of Pridnestrovie refers to the area around Râşcov as the "Pridnestrovian Alps": Time, wind, and water have eroded the abrupt slopes near the village of Rashkov, having formed the limestone outliers, towering above the slopes.[2]
Râşcov and the surrounding area is home to numerous historic monuments and architecture, among them the Polish Catholic church Sacred Kaatan which has recently undergone extensive renovation and which the government of Transnistria considers a historical heritage location.[3] The church was built when this part of Transnistria was a part of the Crown of the Polish Kingdom.
Outside Râşcov is located the Rascov National Park, an extensive natural landscape preserve.