Historical and archaeological research of the Belgorod-Dniester fortress allows us to highlight the cultural identity markers of the Moldavian period. First of all, this is the creation of a fortress - an outstanding monument of defensive architecture. Its planning structure, spatial composition, functional organization formed a powerful architectural ensemble, in which Byzantine and Western European influences, labor resources and building materials of Moldova were organically intertwined. Official inscriptions and heraldry emphasize the role of the Moldavian Principality of the 15th century. In the process of archaeological excavations, a number of objects, including the barbican, were established to belong to the Moldavian construction period. The Moldavian identity can also be traced in the material culture: a set of belts (patterned buckles), ceramics, coins with images of the Moldavian rulers, which were directly related to the construction of the fortress.