Discover Bucovina

The painted monasteries of Bucovina are a unique group of Romanian Orthodox churches in northern Moldova, renowned for their exterior and interior frescoes, a distinctive feature of Moldavian architecture. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are famous for their vibrant, detailed murals depicting biblical scenes, saints, and religious events, serving as visual narratives for a largely illiterate population. The churches, built in the 15th and 16th centuries, are not just aesthetically pleasing but also hold immense historical and cultural significance.

Bucovina, a region in northeastern Romania, is known for its virgin forests, some of the last of their kind in Europe. These forests are characterized by their untouched nature, ancient trees, and rich biodiversity. The Slatioara secular high forest, a 1,064-hectare reservation, is a prime example, with trees aged 350-400 years. These forests are important refugia for specialized species and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Also part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

The area around Câmpulung Moldovenesc is known for the Rarău and Giumalău mountains, which offer unique rock formations and panoramic views. These mountains are easily accessible and feature diverse landscapes, including steep slopes, narrow valleys, and unique rock formations like the "Lady's Rocks". The region is popular for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the natural beauty of Bucovina.

Bucovinian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by its history and geography, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Key elements include trout, mushrooms, sour cream, and traditional cheeses like brânză de burduf. Popular dishes range from hearty stews and stuffed cabbage rolls to sweet treats like poale-n brâu pastries.

Bucovina is known for its unique black pottery, particularly the tradition originating from the village of Marginea. This pottery is characterized by its dark color, achieved through a specific firing technique that doesn't involve adding any colorants to the clay. The craft is deeply rooted in the region's history, with pottery production in Marginea dating back to around 1500.

Founded in 1936, the Wood Art Museum preserves the only ethnographic collection in Romania dedicated exclusively to wooden objects. (Photo credits: MAL)

The Princely Fortress of Suceava built at the end of the 14th century near the Suceava medieval city had been the main residence of Moldavia’s rulers for almost 200 years. Today it is an important national historic monument. (Photo credits: Muzeul Bucovinei)

The National Museum of Painted Eggs in Ciocanesti is the only collection in the country where there are presently painted eggs from all over the country, most of them having awarded prizes in the National Festival of Painted Eggs in Ciocanesti. There are eggs painted in the main ethnographic areas of Bucovina, eggs painted in other areas of the country, all made by the those who participated in the festival. One can also admire the impressive collection of old eggs.

In the vibrant and green heart of Bukovina, where nature displays its untouched splendor and history comes alive at every turn, the Huțulca Mocănița makes its way thru breathtaking landscapes. As a witness to a golden age, this historic locomotive carries untold stories, precious memories, and the unparalleled charm of bygone times. (Photo credits: Mocanita Moldovita)