Mănăstirea Sucevița

Sucevița Monastery is the most imposing of Bukovina's painted monasteries and the last built in this style, at the end of the 16th century, by the Movilă family. Unlike its sisters, it is surrounded by massive fortress walls with corner towers, giving it the look of a citadel rather than a place of prayer. The exterior frescoes, dominated by an intense green rarely seen elsewhere, cover almost the entire walls and include the famous ‘Ladder of Virtues', a vast and dramatic composition.

The northern wall is said to have been left unpainted because the artist fell from the scaffolding — a legend that adds to the site's charm. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sucevița is an essential stop on the monastery trail, set in a landscape of hills and quiet villages. Respect the dress code and the calm of the place, and check visiting hours, especially during services.