Bucovina's Painted Monasteries - Why You Should See Them: The Bucovina Region of northern Romania is known for its Painted Monasteries. These beautiful structures, averaging between 4 and 5 centuries old, are decorated inside and out with richly colored frescoes as old as the buildings themselves. They are deemed significant enough to be protected by UNESCO, and they also give visitors an excuse to explore the Eastern Carpathian Mountains, rural villages of the region, and other, non-painted churches.
Bucovina's Painted Monasteries - How To See Them: Many travelers will find it most convenient to book a guided tour of the Painted Monasteries, which can be done from Suceava or Gura Humorlui. Public transportation may get you to to a couple of the Painted Monasteries, but train and buses only go so far and may not make regular stops. It is also possible to hire a taxi driver to take you to the monasteries by car. If you choose to rent a car on your own, make sure you have a well-marked map and plan to stay in one of the larger towns overnight so that you don't find yourself rushed.
Bucovina's Painted Monasteries - Arbore : Arbore, though not really a monastery, is nonetheless painted in a similar manner as the four authentic Painted Monasteries. It is located in the village of Arbore, and is difficult to get to via public transportation, but is located very near to Suceava. Getting a cap ride to and from this church should not be expensive if you want to include Arbore on your self-tour of the Painted Monasteries.
Bucovina's Painted Monasteries - Humor Monastery: Humor Painted Monastery is located in the vicinity of Gura Humorlui, and can be reached on foot from this town. Gura Humorui is a good place to base yourself if you plan on seeing other monasteries in Bucovina. You can get to Gura Humorlui via train or bus from either Suceava to the east or Campulung to the west.
Bucovina's Painted Monasteries - Voronet Monastery: Voronet Monastery can also be reached on foot from Gura Humorlui. This Painted Monastery is probably the most famous of the four Painted Monasteries - the particular blue special to the monasteries is widely called "Voronet blue." In addition, the frescoed walls of Voronet are extremely detailed, depicting the Last Judgement and other religious scenes.
Bucovina's Painted Monasteries - Moldovita Monastery: Getting to Moldovita Monastery and the village of Vatra Moldovitei can be confusing for someone not familiar with local public transportation or the area. If you choose to use the bus or train, make sure to make note of their schedules and the stops you'll need to use.
Moldovita Monastery's frescoes also depict the Last Judgement and other scenes. They also illustrate the monastery's founder, Petru Rares.
Bucovina's Painted Monasteries - Sucevita Monastery: Sucevita is one of the best examples of Painted Monasteries in Bucovina. It contains a museum with antique tapestries on display, and, of course, intricately detailed frescoes.
If you decide to use public transportation to see Sucevita Monastery, plan on staying overnight in Sucevita. You'll be able to catch a bus from Campulung, but it doesn't run often.
Bucovina - Other Monasteries and Churches: On your tour through Bucovina, you'll see other medieval churches and monasteries, and you may want to make special effort to see those not located on the way to any of the Painted Monasteries. Among some of the most interesting monasteries and churches are Dragomira Monastery, Putna Monastery, the church at Solca, and Suceava's many historic churches.
