Mysteries of Vasilkov on the Dniester: history, geography, toponymy, architecture

A rare medieval religious and defensive architecture complex, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin in Vasilkov on the Dniester, has been revealed through a comprehensive multiscale historic-cartographical analysis. This study demonstrates that the church, located at the border of Moldavia and Ukraine, served as an Eastern outpost for the Principality of Moldavia and part of the Soroka castle's fortified system. The research employs modern geographic information methods, including high-precision digital elevation models and chronological cartographic comparisons, to unravel the historic-geographical evolution of the area. Additionally, it explores toponymic processes that shaped the region's geographical names, providing insights into ancient trade routes and settlements. This study highlights the significance of Vasilkov as a united natural and historic-cultural complex, offering new perspectives on medieval border dynamics and architectural traditions.

Herzen, A., Kostovska, S., & Nesterova, T. (2021). Mysteries of Vasilkov on the Dniester: history, geography, toponymy, architecture. InterCarto. InterGIS, 27(4), 495–519. https://doi.org/10.35595/2414-9179-2021-4-27-495-519