The village was founded in 1843 by 25 German families, making it the first of a number of villages founded by German colonists in Dobrogea, led by Ignatiu Hoffart.

They called the place Malkotsch.

They were not coming from Germany, but rather from Moldova and Transnistria, part of the Russian Empire at the time.

Back then, Dobrogea was not yet part of Romania, so these people were the only German population living under the rule of the Ottoman Empire.

Following the Turkish laws, they contributed greatly to the development of Dobrogea. They were autonomous, free to go about their business; their only obligation was to pay their taxes.

After the Romanian Independence War and the reunification of Dobrogea with the home country, in many German settlements, Romanian war heroes were given land. In many of thee villages, Romanian mayors were put in office.

Although some Germans left Malcoci and other places, most of them continued to live and prosper here until 1940.

That year around 16000 people from all over Dobrogea were forced to relocate in Germany, under the Heim ins Reich program. Only about 1600 Germans remained.

The Church in Malcoci

There are a few buildings that still stand as a testament of the hundred years that the Germans lived here.

None is more imposing than the Catholic church which stands tall and is visible from every point in the village.

The Catholic Church in Malcoci

Unfortunately, time has left its mark and the church is nowadays abandoned, with the roof collapsed and the cross on the tower tilted at 60%… a very sad picture, especially given the historic significance of the place.

There were talks about renovating the building, or at least the tower, using sponsorships or funds from the Government. A precise date was not set yet.

What’s really disturbing is the fact that a couple of years ago, they did start some consolidation works, but those doing it were so retarded that the whole roof of the church collapsed, together with a good portion of the right wall…

What a shame…

[Short update]

I was recently back in Malcoci with some friends and this time I had to get closer. Well, I was sad to see that the cross on the tower also fell to the side.

With my extensive expertise on the matter , I concluded that the faulty consolidation attempts were the cause. What a bunch of idiots!

A heavy concrete block which was supposed to help keep the church in place collapsed pulling after it the whole roof and parts of the right wall.

Malcoci Church Bell

When I got there, there was a woman and some kids inside trying to make the most of it and collect the wood under the ruble to get ready for the winter.

I got up the shaky stair and went up the tower which was now packed with pidgeons. Maybe it was the curse of the Germans or something, but one of the pigeons actually pooped on me!

Haha. I even rang the bell which sounded awesome!

Malcoci Church Bell Inscription

There was an inscription on the bell, but I didn’t manage to really get it.. As far as I could understand, it was a donation made in 1975 by the old German villagers of Malcoci, after 35 years of their departure.

The Memorial Stone

Here’s an excerpt of the article:

“Wine buffs are to get a chance to taste one on Europe’s most exclusive vintages this month – a secret wine produced entirely by residents of the continent’s last leper colony. “

Cristache Tatulea

“Hidden for years from the public eye by Romania’s former communist regime, the lepers of Tichilesti on the Danube Delta have continued an ancient tradition of wine-making stretching back to the Middle Ages. “

“Now the St Lazarus Leper Wine – named after the patron saint of sufferers of the disease – is to be sold world-wide to raise funds for the community and its 200 residents. “

The Saint Lazarus Leper Wine is named after the patron saint of those who suffer from this disease. The leper community in Tichilesti counts about 200 residents who live in pretty difficult conditions.

The launch of the “Leper wine” was inspired by the late mayor of the Tichilesti community, Cristache Tatulea, who managed to transform the little village through farming. He created this vineyard that he hoped would help support the community.

Cristache Tatulea and his Leper Wine

Unfortunately, this year he passed away after he fell in his house, but as witnesses recall, his last thoughts were of his vineyard.

Now, his friend, David Rogers, with whom he joked about selling this wine all over the world, has arranged for it to be sold through distributors in Austria. The money earned from it will go to support the leper community.

There is a website for Saint Lazarus Leper Wine. You can find out more about it there. I find it is a great thing that a small community like this can make itself known in the world for more than just the unfortunate conditions that gave birth to it.

Maybe the St Lazarus Leper Wine will grow to become an important product that could compete with other important brands, both local and international. Who knows? Hope I’ll find it in a store when I get back home, I’m really anxious to taste it.