Europe Romania Churches, Cathedrals, Basilicas, Monasteries

Sacred Bucovina: Journey into the amazing universe of the most beautiful monasteries

The most beautiful monasteries in Moldova, Romania, Voronet Monastery, Holiday and Trips
Voronet Monastery
Rare gems are hidden in the north of Romania, and among them shine the medieval monasteries of Bucovina. As jewels of history, these spiritual treasures have survived time and have been rewarded with the honor of being inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Voroneț, Arbore, Moldoviţa, Humor and Sucevița - names that dispel the veil of time and take us on a journey into the great past of the country.

A globally known beauty: Bucovina’s monasteries charm the hearts of visitors. Every year, thousands of travelers arrive to admire the vivid colors of the frescoes as bright as the day they were created. But, the real secret is hidden in the coded messages of the paintings. From the magisterial Last Judgment from Voronet to the mystery of the Ladder of Divine Ascension from Sucevita, these masterpieces remain as evidence of the artistic genius of the past. Dare to look at them and admire them!

Arbore Monastery

Year: 1503 
Built by: Luca Arbore 
Location: Arbore, Suceava County 

In 1503, Luca Arbore, the Suceava porter, ascends to a church with the help of his lord in the village that bears his name today. The construction began on the second day of April and was completed in the same year on August 29. The church bears the commemorative plaque dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Arbore Monastery is one of the Painted Monasteries in Moldova.

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Arbore Monastery, Bucovina

Sucevita Monastery

Year: 1601 
Built by: Ieremia Movila, Gheorghe Movila and Simion Movila
Location: DN17A 169, Sucevita 727510, Romania

High walls and heavily buttressed defensive towers surround the great monastic complex of Sucevita, giving it the appearance of a fortress.
Sucevita boasts a magnificent depiction of the Ladder to Paradise.

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Sucevita Monastery, Bucovina

Putna Monastery

Year: 1466
Built by: Stephen the Great
Location: Putna, Suceava County, Romania

According to legend, this place was decided by Stephen the Great after shooting an arrow at the hill located near the monastery. The building was erected on the ground where the arrow hit. The Putna Monastery houses the tombs of Stephen (nowadays, a place of pilgrimage) and several of his family members.

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Putna Monastery, Bucovina, Romania | The tomb of Stephen the Great

Voronet Monastery

Year: 1488
Built by: Stephen the Great
Location: Voronet, Gura Humorului, Suceava County, Romania

Voronet azure blue is the dominant color, made with crushed azurite mixed with a mysterious substance that makes the hue lighter, and more vivid. Anyway, the color composition remained a mystery until thorough lab tests were done.  It is one of the famous painted monasteries from southern Bucovina, in Suceava County. Included today on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with six more churches from the region, this religious monument is a unique symbol of how local medieval princes emphasized their great support for the Orthodox faith.

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Voronet Monastery or “Sistine Chapel of the East” – where blue will last forever

Neamt Monastery

Year: 15th century
Built By: Stephen the Great
Location: Targu Neamt, Romania

The Neamt Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox religious settlement, one of the oldest and most important in Romania. It was built in the 15th century, and it is an example of medieval Moldavian architecture. A jewel of 15th-century architecture, the church was built during Stefan cel Mare’s reign.

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Neamt Monastery
Neamt Monastery

Moldovita Monastery

Year Built: 1532 
Built by: Prince Petru Rares 
Location: Vatra Moldovitei, Suceava County 

The Moldovita Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox monastery in Vatra Moldovitei, Suceava County, Moldavia, Romania. The Monastery of Moldovița was built in 1532 by Petru Rares, who was Stephen III of Moldavia’s illegitimate son. It was founded as a protective barrier against the Muslim Ottoman conquerors from the East.

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Moldovita Monastery, Bucovina

Dragomirna Monastery

Year Built: 1609 
Built by: Metropolitan Bishop Anastasie Crimca 
Location: Mitocu Dragomirnei, Suceava County 

The Dragomirna Monastery was built during the first three decades of the 17th century, 15 km from Suceava. It is the tallest medieval monastery in northern Moldavia and is renowned in Orthodox architecture for its unique proportions and intricate details, mostly carved into stone. It lies among forested hills of fir and oak.

Read more HERE

Dragomirna Monastery, Suceava
Dragomirna Monastery

About the author

Catalina

I am Catalina, and my passion for travel, mysteries, legends and archaeology drives me to explore the world and uncover its hidden wonders.