Admire the painted monasteries of Bucovina
Cloaked in beech, fir, and pine, the gorgeous rolling Bucovina hills are a walker’s paradise. The painted monasteries of Bucovina, in the northwest corner of Moldavia, are rightfully acclaimed as masterpieces of art and architecture, steeped in history and perfectly in harmony with their surroundings. The monasteries are scattered across a region divided by rolling hills. Although settlers from Maramureş arrived here in the mid-fourteenth century, the area remained barely populated for two centuries until Huţul shepherds moved south from the Ukrainian mountains. The quality and style of these paintings are truly impressive considering how old they are. And because they're so well preserved with only minor works carried out over hundreds of years, religious people believe these churches have significant spiritual power and meaning.
The Unesco-protected, 15th-century painted monasteries of Bucovina show off not just Romania’s enduring devotion to its Latin-flavoured Orthodox tradition, but also superb artistry and craftsmanship. The elaborate frescoes adorning both the interiors and exteriors of the half-dozen or so churches were largely inspired by the Moldavian prince and hero, Stephen the Great. The frescoes illustrate everything from biblical stories to the 15th-century siege of Constantinople. The dizzying matrix of colors and intricate detail, like at the stunning Voroneţ Monastery, blends effortlessly with remote natural surroundings. This is one of the best things to do in Romania.
