Painted Monasteries

Our team had the opportunity to see three of the many “Painted Monasteries”: Voronet, Putna, and Sucevita.  It was a long drive with very beautiful scenery.  I am including just a few of the monastery photos here.  We will post scenery/travel pictures soon.

These monasteries are said to be built on the sites of Stephen the Great’s military victories over the Tartars in the 1400’s and 1500’s. They are painted on the inside and many, like the one immediately below, on the outside as well.  The paintings are of saints, Biblical and historical events.

Burial Place of Stephen the Great

We had a very helpful Orthodox Priest give us a tour in English!
He did a wonderful job.  Thanks Gherasim!

We were told that this is the oldest church building in Romania 
and the oldest wooden church in Europe. 
It looked like it was in pretty good shape to us.

This is the cave of Daniel the Hermit who was a contemporary 
to Stephen the Great and Stephen’s spiritual mentor.  
The following pictures are our tour of the cave.
Daniel lived in this cave for at least twenty years!

Daniel’s bed.  They are not sure if he had padding of any kind.

We really appreciated Gherasim’s time.

Oliver showing his agility in exiting a very short doorway.