Voronet Monastery

Voronet Monastery - known as the pearl of Bucovina

The painted monasteries from southern Bucovina are popular all over Romania. The most renowned of them all is probably the Voronet Monastery. The cathedral gained notoriety for its vibrant exterior frescoes and hundreds of perfectly maintained figures set against the stunning azure background.

The church, which is barely 4 kilometres from Gura Humorului and 36 km from Suceava, is a true treasure of Romanian history and culture. Voronet Monastery is one of the Painted churches of northern Moldavia listed in UNESCO.

According to mythology, Stephen the Great, Prince of Moldavia between 1457 and 1504, suffered a crisis while fighting the Ottoman Turks. To consult Daniel the Hermit and get counsel, he travelled to Voronet. He maintained his word to the monk and built a new cathedral in honour of Saint George, the "bringer of victory in battle," after winning the conflict. The exonarthex was an extension of the church that was built in 1547 by Grigorie Rosca, Metropolitan Bishop of Moldavia. In 1488, the church was built in only four and a half months, and this is a remarkable historical record.

The church's north façade still maintains the original decorations, which includes beautiful rows of ceramic discs with relief-decorated discs in vibrant shades of yellow, brown, and green.

A notable fact is that the Voronet Monastery's activities started again in 1991, 206 years after they had been suspended (the monastery was closed in 1785, after the annexation of Bucovina to the Habsburg Empire). Another characteristic of Voronet Monastery is the predominant use of the color called "Voronet Blue". Due to the uniqueness of the painting method used by the Moldovan painters, the blue pigment has survived despite the difficult environmental circumstances.

If you want to see one of the most beautiful original painted monasteries, Voronet is waiting for you!

Visiting the Monastery includes the exterior and interior of the monumental church.
Only the exterior paintings can be visited during the divine services.
Tourist season (April to September): Monday - Sunday: 08:30 - 19:00
Off-season program (October - March): Monday - Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00