Painted Monasteries

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The northern part of Romania is home to painted monasteries from the 14th and 15th centuries. The monasteries of Bucovina, near Suceava, were beautiful. It was incredible to witness the vibrancy of the frescoes both inside and outside the churches. The details are still intact and in some cases appear to have been painted within the last 100 years rather than during the 14th century. Monica was a great tour guide and keeps a lovely hostel in Suceava which she cares for and continually beautifies with her green thumb. She even traded plants with the nuns at a couple of the monasteries!

Suceava itself isn't much of a place. Small town without much to see or do, but there is great ice cream and lots of parks to stroll around in during the evening light.

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Photos

Caracol
Suceava Fortress

Capilla
Suceava Fortress

Cotton Candy
Today I learned mom loves cotton candy. Especially the 'real' thing without color additives.

All mine!
King what's his name...

Spiritual
Small orthodox church in Suceava

We are Romania
Locals visiting monastery

The birth
Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus

Haystacks
There were two styles of stacking hay. This was our favorite.

Cesos
That's brains for you folks. In this case, pig brains. Not as tasty as the cuban version.

The Blues
Each monastery we visited was known for a particular color scheme.

Afternoon Stroll
She was making the rounds

Red Hot
Not only red, but the entrance is unique to the style in which churches were built. There used to be glass.

Old Skool
Graffiti from back in the day. Continuing my obsession.

Afternoon Picnic
The view for many locals taking advantage of a warm summer afternoon

Painted Church
A complete view of one to give you an idea of how brilliant the structures are