Moldavia - the north eastern province of Romania - is renowned for the
wondrously detailed exterior frescoes on the walls of the Bucovina Monasteries. The "painted"
monasteries are the major Moldavian attraction, because of the vivid frescoes on their churches.
Among the most picturesque treasures of Romania are the painted churches located in Bucovina, many
of which are protected by UNESCO as part of humankind's world heritage.
Humor Monastery
- founded in 1530, is quite small.
It's paintings include illustrations for a poem on the "Siege of Constantinople", and the "Return
of the Prodigal Son".
Voronet Monastery
- the "Sixtine Chapel" of the East was built by Stephen the Great in 1488,
and the vibrant colors of its frescoes added later. The fame of Voronet is especially given by its
exterior painting, realized on an inimitable blue background, and known throughout the world as
he "blue of Voronet".
Sucevita Monastery
- was the last monastery with the frescoes built in Bucovina. The Monastery is set
in a pleasant green valley, and it is fortified like a citadel with guard towers at its four corners.
The themes of its paintings are inspired by the history of the Christian Church. Green is the predominant color.
Moldovita Monastery
- is another impressing example of the talent that defines the exterior of Moldavian
painting. The most spectacular is considered, however, the fresco showing the fall of Constantinople.
Arbore Monastery
- quite small, is predominantly decorated in shades of green, took for the scenes
from "Genesis" along the western wall, since they are particularly lively and graceful.
