Bucovina Painted Monasteries

Bucovina is also known for its famous Painted Monasteries built by former rulers and members of nobility, each monastery having a different colour: blue for Voronet, red for Humor, yellow for Moldovita and a combination of colours for Arbore.

Voroneţ Monastery was founded in 1488 in less than four months from May to September by Stephen the Great to celebrate a victory over the Turks at the battle of  Vaslui. Stephen the Great also fulfilled a pledge to Daniil the Hermit who had encouraged him to fight with the Turks. The monastery contains tombstones commemorating Saint Daniil the Hermit, Grigorie Roșca, and other patrons of the church and noblemen.

The churches with external mural paintings of northern Moldavia, built from the late 15th century to the late 16th century, are masterpieces inspired by Byzantine art. These eight churches of northern Moldavia are unique in Europe. They are authentic and particularly well preserved. Far from being mere wall decorations, the paintings form a systematic covering on all the facades and represent complete cycles of religious themes. Their exceptional composition, the elegance of the characters, and the harmony of the colours blend perfectly with the surrounding countryside. (Source: UNESCO official website)