Memories of untamed roads, travel sweat, and carsickness were literally forgotten when I stepped through the doors of our first painted monastery. Situated a mere 445km from Bucharest (or about 510km if you drive Schlink-style), the painted monasteries located in Bucovina are must-see destinations. Not only because they are as old as the invention of lager beer and on UNESCO's World Heritage bucket list, but because they are incredible works of art! Thanks to Stefan cel Mare, aka Stephen the Great, aka Steve the Ottoman Gangbuster, this dude with a mustache and crown successfully resisted many war wagers between 1457-1504 and built churches and monasteries (namely Voronet) as a symbol of gratitude and enduring faith to the Romanian Orthodox Church.
While some of the artwork suffered abuses such as sun exposure and vandalism, most of the murals have retained their vibrancy thanks to the dedicated nuns who run the monasteries.
One nun in particular found Deets particularly amusing and gave him chocolates before returning to work, selling tickets to mouth gapers like ourselves. Other nuns were tending to the gardens, some were giving tours (impressively changing from German to Romanian without a hitch), and others were managing their books. It was pretty cool.
Of the nine monasteries, we made it to three: Voronest, Moldavita, and Suceavita, each with unique identifiers and stories to tell. All the Schlinks were thrilled to have made this trip. Even Deets.
While some of the artwork suffered abuses such as sun exposure and vandalism, most of the murals have retained their vibrancy thanks to the dedicated nuns who run the monasteries.
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| Nice to know vandalism isn't a new fad... |
One nun in particular found Deets particularly amusing and gave him chocolates before returning to work, selling tickets to mouth gapers like ourselves. Other nuns were tending to the gardens, some were giving tours (impressively changing from German to Romanian without a hitch), and others were managing their books. It was pretty cool.
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| Candeeeeee! |
Of the nine monasteries, we made it to three: Voronest, Moldavita, and Suceavita, each with unique identifiers and stories to tell. All the Schlinks were thrilled to have made this trip. Even Deets.
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| Voronet Monastery 1488 |
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| "The Last Judgement" painted in widescreen on the backside of Voronet. To hell, or not to hell? |
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| Moldavita Monastery 1532 |
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| "The Siege of Constantinople" depicted on the wall of Moldavita, compliments of Toma the Suceavan. Serious border protection. |
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| Sucevita Monastery 1584 |
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| "The Ladder of Virtue" a trial of sinners doomed for hell or heaven. Successful ascension in 30 easy steps. |
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