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Suceviţa Monastery

Sucevița, Romania

This fortress-like monastery is covered with intricate frescoes. 

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Paintings on the outside of Suceviţa Monastery Remus Pereni / CC BY 2.0
Paintings on the outside of Suceviţa Monastery Remus Pereni / CC BY 2.0
Frescoes on the monastery exterior Dickelbers / CC BY 3.0
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The Sucevița Monastery is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, art, and architecture. Sucevița (“The Church of the Resurrection”) is an Eastern Orthodox convent located in northeastern Romania.

Founded in 1581 by Bishop Gheorghe Movila and expanded by Prince Ieremia, the monastery boasts a fortress-like appearance with high walls and defensive towers. According to a local legend, the stone used to build the monastery was transported in an ox-drawn cart by a single woman who was attempting to repent for her sins.

The frescoes, painted by local artists in 1602-1604, are a sight to behold, with the Ladder to Paradise and the Tree of Jesse being the most impressive. The thick walls of the monastery now house a museum with an outstanding collection of historical and art objects, including the tomb covers of Ieremia and Simion Movila, ecclesiastical silverware, books, and illuminated manuscripts.

Fun fact: Sucevita was the last of the 22 painted churches of Bucovina and has the largest number of painted images.

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September 27, 2023
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