As one of the most enigmatic constructions in Moldova, the church of the Assumption of the Virgin, has an important cultural impact and historical significance. Its particularity is to be a semi-buried church with interior walls decorated with high quality frescoes. The church is located in Căuşeni, 80 km southeast from the Moldovan capital. There is no exact date on the construction period but, according to some information, it was built between the 15th and the 17th centuries. Nonetheless, it is sure that the frescoes date from the period 1763 – 1767, and were produced using Byzantine techniques, by the painters Stanciul Radu and Voicul. The slavonic signature by the painters is still visible on one of the walls of the altar.
According to a legend, the Tatars had accepted the construction of this Christian orthodox church provided that its height would not exceed the height of a soldier on horseback, to not compete with the size of their mosques.
The church of Căuşeni is considered one of the most important architectural monuments of the 15th – 16th centuries. It belongs to the world cultural heritage protected by UNESCO.
