10 Things to Do in Moldovita Monastery (Manastirea Moldovita) Suceava Romania
Moldovita Monastery (Manastirea Moldovita) is a beautiful and historic Romanian Orthodox monastery located in Suceava, Romania. It is one of the most important monasteries in the country and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery was founded in 1532 by Petru Rares, the ruler of Moldavia at the time. It is known for its beautifully painted frescoes, which are some of the best-preserved in Eastern Europe. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Moldovita Monastery.
1. Explore the Monastery Grounds: The monastery grounds are an impressive sight to behold. The buildings are surrounded by tall walls, and the grounds are filled with lush gardens and trees. Visitors can explore the grounds and take in the beauty of the monastery.
2. Visit the Church: The main church of the monastery is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It was built in 1537 and is the most important building in the monastery. The church is decorated with beautiful frescoes, which depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints.
3. View the Frescoes: The frescoes in the church are some of the best-preserved in Eastern Europe. They were painted in the 16th century and depict scenes from the Bible, the lives of the saints, and the history of Moldavia.
4. Visit the Bell Tower: The bell tower of the monastery is an impressive sight. It was built in 1537 and stands at a height of 35 meters. It is one of the tallest bell towers in Romania and is a great place to take in the views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Explore the Museum: The monastery also has a museum, which displays artifacts and documents related to the history of the monastery and the region. Visitors can learn about the history of the monastery and the region and view historical artifacts.
6. Take a Guided Tour: The monastery offers guided tours of the grounds and the museum. Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the history of the monastery and the region.
7. Attend a Service: The monastery holds regular services in the church. Visitors can attend a service and experience the traditional Romanian Orthodox liturgy.
8. Visit the Gift Shop: The monastery has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and religious items.
9. Take a Hike: The monastery is surrounded by forests and hills, making it a great place for hiking and nature walks.
10. Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Suceava is known for its traditional Romanian cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like ciorba de fasole (bean soup) and sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls).
Moldovita Monastery is a beautiful and historic monastery that is well worth a visit. Visitors can explore the grounds, view the frescoes, take a guided tour, attend a service, and enjoy the local cuisine. It is an unforgettable experience and a great way to explore the history and culture of Romania.