The Painted Monasteries of Bocuvina, Romania (Photo Essay)
Exquisitely painted frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries
In the northeastern corner of Romania are colour masterpieces from the 15th and 16th centuries. The “Painted Monasteries of Bukovina” they renown for their exquisitely painted walls. Interior and exterior walls, as well as ceilings, are decorated with elaborate frescoes, featuring events taken from the Holy Bible and the Holy Scriptures and interpreted in the Orthodox Christian style. It is a must visit place!
The monasteries of the Bukovina region, located in northeastern Romania, are known for their exquisitely painted walls. Interior and exterior walls, as well as ceilings, are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th century frescoes, featuring events taken from the Holy Bible and the Holy Scriptures and interpreted in the Orthodox Christian style. Many of the paintings feature complete cycles of religious themes such as the life of Jesus with portraits of saints and prophets, and images of angels, demons, heaven and hell. These masterpieces, inspired by Byzantine art, are best experienced at the monasteries of Humor, Moldovita, Suceava, Sucevita, and Voronet. Most paintings are authentic with minimal intervention over the years. Restorations since the 1970’s have respected the original motifs and pigments and have been executed extremely carefully.
Voronet Monastery
Located about 40 km southwest of the town of Suceava, Voronet Monastery, with its main church of Saint George, was founded in 1487 by Stephen the Great to celebrate his victory over the Turks. Apparently it was built in less than four months, although the frescos were added much later.
With its intense shade of blue, commonly known as “Voronet blue”, the paintings of this monastery are perhaps the most impressive of them all. Scientists remain puzzled by the composition of the colours which are remarkably well preserved after so many centuries in the sun and wind.
Soon after 1775 the Habsburg Monarchy annexed the northern part of Moldavia and interrupted the monastic life here. Nuns returned in 1991 and they now offer a painting workshop and guided tours of the monastery.
Voronet Monastery, Bucovina near Suceava, Romania
Voronet Monastery, Bucovina near Suceava, Romania
Moldovita Monastery
Moldovita Monastery, located about 70 km west of Suceava in the village of Vatra Moldovitei, was constructed by Petru Rareș (Peter IV – war-lord of Moldavia) in 1532. The predominantly gold-yellow and deep blue paintings on the exterior walls were completed by Toma of Suceava in 1537. The paintings portray the Siege of Constantinople and depicts the Tree of Jesse, representing Christ’s genealogy shown in a tree which rises from Jesse (the father of David) of Bethlehem.
Moldovita Monastery, Bucovina near Suceava, Romania
Moldovita Monastery, Bucovina near Suceava, Romania
Humor Monastery
Located 40 km west of Suceava, Humor Monastery is 5 km north of the town of Gura Humorului. The monastery was closed in 1786 by the Habsburg Monarchy but was reopened in 1991. Constructed in 1530 by warlord Petru Rareş, it is dedicated to the Dormition of Virgin Mary and it is run by a few nuns. Its frescoes date from 1535 and include an illustration of the Return of the Prodigal Son as well as a “humorous” depiction of the devil as a woman. The hues of the frescoes are a reddish brown with rich blues and green infusions.
Humor Monastery, Bucovina near Suceava, Romania
Humor Monastery, Bucovina near Suceava, Romania
Sucevita Monastery
Sucevița Monastery is located about 55 km northwest of the town of Suceava. Founded in 1581 by Gheorghe Movila, and later expanded by his brother, the monastery is surrounded by high walls and four defensive towers. Sucevita boasts a magnificent depiction of the Ladder to Paradise with red-winged angels in six orderly rows climbing the ladder to the heavens. Sinners fall through the ladder rungs and are pointed away to hell by grinning devils. The Tree of Jesse is also painted on one of the walls. Several old graves can be found in the yard near the main building.
Sucevita Monastery, Bucovina near Suceava, Romania
Sucevita Monastery, Bucovina near Suceava, Romania
This article appears in the July 2016 issue of Globerovers Magazine.
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