Moldavia

Moldavia – History, Painted Monasteries & Vineyards

Moldavia rivals Transylvania in folklore, natural beauty, and rich history. Its capital, Iași, is home to almost 100 Orthodox churches, many concentrated on the Golden Plateau, the historic heart of the city. Among the most famous is the Church of the Three Hierarchs, built in 1639, renowned for its intricate stonework and elegant architecture. Another landmark is the neo-Gothic Palace of Culture (1900–1926), which houses the Ethnographic Museum, the Art Museum, and the History Museum of Moldova.

Bucovina and the Painted Monasteries
To the north, the rolling hills of Bucovina are home to one of the world’s greatest artistic treasures: the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Painted Monasteries. Constructed during the 15th and 16th centuries, these monasteries feature vividly coloured exterior frescoes depicting dramatic religious scenes. The most famous, Voroneț Monastery, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East,” was built in 1438 by Stephen the Great. Its Last Judgment fresco on the exterior façade is painted in the vivid ‘Voroneț blue,’ a hue whose composition remains a mystery to this day. Other monasteries worth visiting include Sucevița, with its distinctive greens, and Humor, renowned for its predominantly red frescoes.

The town of Suceava, former capital of Moldavia (1375–1565), makes an excellent base for exploring the monasteries. The Fortress of Suceava, built in 1388, offers panoramic views of the city. Other highlights include the St. George Church (UNESCO), Mirăuți Church, Zamca Monastery, and several museums dedicated to ethnography, folk art, and local history, including the Bucovina History Museum, with its Throne Hall, mediaeval armour, and ancient documents.

Nature and Outdoor Pursuits
Bucovina’s natural landscapes are equally captivating. Ceahlău National Park, Romania’s “Olympus,” was sacred to the Dacians and offers superb hiking and birdwatching, with over 90 species of birds in the park. The Bicaz Gorge, a twisting three-mile canyon, provides exhilarating trekking for walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Sightseeing Highlights

• Iași – historic Moldavian capital with vibrant cultural life and religious architecture.

• Bucovina Painted Monasteries – essential Moldavian cultural experience.

• Ceahlău Massif – scenic hiking trails with rich wildlife.

• Nicolae Popa Museum (Târpești) – excellent collection of folk sculptures and artefacts.

Festivals & Events

• Regional Festival of Folk Music & Dance (April) – Rădăuți

• Ceahlău Folk Music Festival (August) – Durău

• Harvest Celebration at Cotnari Winery (September) – Iași

• Trandafir de la Moldova Folk Music Festival (October) – Iași

National Parks

• Călimani National Park – volcanic plateau with caldera landscapes.

• Vânători Neamț Nature Park – home to Dragos Voda bison and Carpathian wildlife.

• Hășmaș – Cheile Bicazului National Park – dramatic gorges and the Red Lake.

• Ceahlău Natural Park – marked hiking trails including Fantanele Chalet to Duruitoarea Waterfall.

Food & Wine
Moldavian cuisine is hearty and flavourful. Typical dishes include bean soup, stewed sauerkraut, parjoale (meatballs), and ciorbă de potroace, a chicken entrails soup seasoned with bors. Sarmale, minced pork with rice, dill, parsley, and onion, rolled in cabbage or vine leaves, is a classic, usually served with polenta. Desserts include papanasi (cottage cheese dumplings), poale-n brâu (sweet cheese pies), and pască (sweet cheesecake).

Moldavia is also renowned for its vineyards:

• Cotnari – sweet white wines from late-harvest grapes.

• Tămâioasă Românească – naturally sweet or semi-sweet white wine with subtle honey and basil notes.

• Odobesti Vineyard – historic vineyards dating back to the 17th century, featuring the Beciul Domnesc cellar with over 100,000 bottles.

• Bucium Winery – includes vineyards, museum, tasting room, and restaurant serving rustic local cuisine.

• Panciu Royal Cellars – historic vineyard with Champagne-aged bottles and scenic vineyard walks.

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