Bukovina's Monasteries - A Bible in Fresco 2010

Situated in the North of Moldavia, Bukovina, a region blessed with a luxurious nature, wrapped in a diffuse light which tones down colours and blends them with the blue of the sky, presents itself to you like an art album with its frescoes monasteries, painted on it. Here history lies asleep in monasteries and citadels, in churches containing treasures of old Romanian civilization, traditions and beliefs sprung from the rich Romanian folklore. The exterior frescoes of the churches represent one of the most astonishing treasures of Moldavian art, which has been preserved for almost 5 centuries. They are a genuine illustrated Bible, unique of their kind in the world whose unparalleled artistic value was confirmed and reconfirmed. The suite of images develops like a color film including tales and legends, customs or great historical events.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Bucharest to Suceava – Dragomirna – Suceava

Meet your tour guide very early in the morning (07:00 a.m.) at your Bucharest hotel reception desk or residence and depart to Suceava. You will arrive in Suceava, former capital of Moldavia in the 14Th century. City tour of Suceava visiting St. Dumitru Church from 15Th century, St. Ioan cel Mare Monastery built on 1522 will be your first contact with the painted churches Bukovina is famous for. The visit includes also 'Cetatea de Scaun', old fortress from 1388, where the Romanians resisted to Mohammed II, the conqueror of Constantinople, then visit the 'Mirauti' Church, built in 1390. A short drive will take you at Dragomirna Monastery, built on 1609, which is the highest monastery in Bukovina. The strong walls and the impressive gate together the slender shape of the Church dominates the surroundings. Overnight in 3 star hotel in Suceava

Day 2 – Suceava – Arbore - Marginea – Sucevita - Moldovita – Suceava

The tour starts with the visit of Arbore Monastery, 'A Strange Vision', build in 1503 by the Romanian noble, Luca Arbore. Rather smaller than the other churches, with a dimly lit pronave, a nave with large windows and no cupola, because it was not built by a prince but by a noble. Stop at Marginea to visit the black pottery workshop, unique in the world. The second monastery you’ll visit today is Sucevita, 'A Poem in Green and Light built in 1586. Surrounded by Gentle Mountain scenery, Sucevita appears like a strong stone citadel, with massive towers, buttresses and watches roads. It is the monument with the greatest number of images. The Northern wall displays a monumental composition, 'The Scale of Virtues’, with scenes symbolizing the people's belief in the first judgement of souls after death. The tour continues with ‘Moldovita’ Monastery, 'A Parchment in Red'; build in 1532 by Petru Rares. The outside walls are clad in frescoes. One of the most valuable scenes at Moldovita is the siege of Constantinople. Overnight in 3 star hotel in Suceava

Day 3 – Sucevita – Humor – Voronet - Suceava to Bucharest

After breakfast, we leave for Gura Humorului. You’ll visit the 'Voronet' Monastery, 'The Sistine Chapel of the Orient'. It is a fairyland, painted on a patch of sky, which thrills even the great lovers of Quattrocento art. Hundreds of paintings ranging from the frail child – the symbol of the soul in the scene of the Last Judgement, to the immense composition 'Jesse's Tree' everything develops amid an explosion of blue. The tour continues with the Monastery of 'Humor' built on 1530. Painted on the outside from the eaves down to the foundation, Humor Monastery looks like a page of a manuscript covered with miniatures, left lying on the lawn. In early afternoon, leave Suceava for Bucharest. Arrival in Bucharest late in the evening. Transfer to your residence or hotel in Bucharest.