If you are searching for a peaceful and relaxing holiday house, you are in the right place!
My holiday house is located in the central-northern part of Moldavia, in the area of tourist attraction called "Izvorul Muntelui Lake"(in English: Spring of the Mountain Lake).
- Izvorul Muntelui Lake, also known as Bicaz Lake , is the biggest artificial lake on the interior waters of Romania; it was created after the completion of a dam built on the Bistrita River. The dam is located a few kilometers north from the town of Bicaz. The dam was built between 1950(year that signified the approval of the electrification plan of the country) and 1960 and is used to generate hydroelectricity at the Bicaz-Stejaru hydro-plant. The costs have raised nearly 1, 7 billions lei and also have meant the loss of hundreds of people (they have died during the works). Many convicts worked here (most of them were political convicts that were specialists in the field), military men and brigadiers. The dam has a height of 127 meters, a length of 435 meters, and a maximum width of 119 meters. The lake has a length of 40 kilometers, an area of 33 km2 and a maximum volume of 1,250 million m3.
- The history of this lake starts in the communist time when many of the artificial lakes of today were built. Looking at the immensity of the lake, everything looks so serene, so peaceful; just the cars passing on the windy road built on the hillside seem capable of disturbing this ocean of tranquility. In reality the story of this place is marked by turmoil. First of all, the communist had forced 18000 people to leave their houses. At the beginning large sums of money were given to each family but later the amount decreased radically. Those who had refused to leave their house were taken by the army while their house were destroyed. In total 20 towns were relocated on the hillside but two of them disappeared forever.
Another tough aspect of this artificial lake is that the enemies of the communist state sentenced to hard labor were sent to this site. The so called enemies of the state were in fact members of the former bourgeoisie, relatives of those who had left Romania, important members of the former democratic parties or farmers who had been against the collectivization of the land.
My great grandparents, like many other inhabitants, have received land on one of the hillside surrounding Lake and they build a small house. After their death, my grandparents and my parents have built in 1983-1984, on that land, a holiday house with wood and clay. From the time they finished the house, all family/friends gatherings on holidays and weekends were held there. Because of this and the fact that I've lost many loved persons , this place means a lot for me.
After 2003, we've done many improvements without changing the essential elements of the house.
I've seen many beautiful places but this one it's unique and it's my favorite to spend a holiday, because when I get there (from a crowded city) all I want is to get rid of all problems and thoughts of everyday, to stay in fresh mountain air.
The house is situated in Chiriteni Village at 850 m altitude, 800 m faraway from the national road and 50 m from the forest. When you get here, everywhere you are looking is a splendid view : Ceahlau Mountain, Bicaz(Izvorul Muntelui) Lake, forest. Because it is at a distance from road, all you can hear is nothing but chirping birds and animals in the neighbors yard(turkey, roosters, cows,horses).
In summer, if you wake up early in the morning you may see squirrels walking on the fence and in the night you may 'play' with a hedgehog if you are lucky.
The house has 3 double bedroom and a big terrace upstairs, and downstairs a big kitchen (well equipped), a bathroom, a big Salon(with 2 double sofa beds, TV/satellite, a computer, a record-player with old international records and also a selection of books and games). If you want, I can cook for you the traditional food, you may try our home made wine and plum brandy.
What can you do here: climbing, fishing, swimming, winter sports
If you want to try something new, you may sleep in hay or give a little help on housework(get milk from a cow, feed the poultry , cut & gather hay,and so on)
Visit the surroundings : Painted monasteries, the National Park Cheile Bicazului(Bicaz Gorges), Red Lake(Lacu Rosu), Bison Reservation, Ceahlau National Park and so on, all you have to do is to get here and we will handle with everything(even with transportation from the airport here)
Rent price: 17 EUR / double room
Full Breakfast: 7 EUR/person(adult and child after 10 years ); 5 EUR/child 3-10 years
Half Board(breakfast+dinner) : 22 EUR/person(adult and child after 10 years ); 18 EUR/child 3-10 years
Full Board(breakfast+lunch+dinner): 40 EUR/person(adult and child after 10 years ); 30 EUR/child 3-10 years
Your Tent: 12 EUR/person after 5 years/day -price include breakfast , 220 V plug and access to bathroom
Location of the house
- Izvorul Muntelui Lake, also known as Bicaz Lake , is the biggest artificial lake on the interior waters of Romania; it was created after the completion of a dam built on the Bistrita River. The dam is located a few kilometers north from the town of Bicaz. The dam was built between 1950(year that signified the approval of the electrification plan of the country) and 1960 and is used to generate hydroelectricity at the Bicaz-Stejaru hydro-plant. The costs have raised nearly 1, 7 billions lei and also have meant the loss of hundreds of people (they have died during the works). Many convicts worked here (most of them were political convicts that were specialists in the field), military men and brigadiers. The dam has a height of 127 meters, a length of 435 meters, and a maximum width of 119 meters. The lake has a length of 40 kilometers, an area of 33 km2 and a maximum volume of 1,250 million m3.
- The history of this lake starts in the communist time when many of the artificial lakes of today were built. Looking at the immensity of the lake, everything looks so serene, so peaceful; just the cars passing on the windy road built on the hillside seem capable of disturbing this ocean of tranquility. In reality the story of this place is marked by turmoil. First of all, the communist had forced 18000 people to leave their houses. At the beginning large sums of money were given to each family but later the amount decreased radically. Those who had refused to leave their house were taken by the army while their house were destroyed. In total 20 towns were relocated on the hillside but two of them disappeared forever.
Another tough aspect of this artificial lake is that the enemies of the communist state sentenced to hard labor were sent to this site. The so called enemies of the state were in fact members of the former bourgeoisie, relatives of those who had left Romania, important members of the former democratic parties or farmers who had been against the collectivization of the land.
My great grandparents, like many other inhabitants, have received land on one of the hillside surrounding Lake and they build a small house. After their death, my grandparents and my parents have built in 1983-1984, on that land, a holiday house with wood and clay. From the time they finished the house, all family/friends gatherings on holidays and weekends were held there. Because of this and the fact that I've lost many loved persons , this place means a lot for me.
After 2003, we've done many improvements without changing the essential elements of the house.
I've seen many beautiful places but this one it's unique and it's my favorite to spend a holiday, because when I get there (from a crowded city) all I want is to get rid of all problems and thoughts of everyday, to stay in fresh mountain air.
The house is situated in Chiriteni Village at 850 m altitude, 800 m faraway from the national road and 50 m from the forest. When you get here, everywhere you are looking is a splendid view : Ceahlau Mountain, Bicaz(Izvorul Muntelui) Lake, forest. Because it is at a distance from road, all you can hear is nothing but chirping birds and animals in the neighbors yard(turkey, roosters, cows,horses).
In summer, if you wake up early in the morning you may see squirrels walking on the fence and in the night you may 'play' with a hedgehog if you are lucky.
The house has 3 double bedroom and a big terrace upstairs, and downstairs a big kitchen (well equipped), a bathroom, a big Salon(with 2 double sofa beds, TV/satellite, a computer, a record-player with old international records and also a selection of books and games). If you want, I can cook for you the traditional food, you may try our home made wine and plum brandy.
What can you do here: climbing, fishing, swimming, winter sports
If you want to try something new, you may sleep in hay or give a little help on housework(get milk from a cow, feed the poultry , cut & gather hay,and so on)
Visit the surroundings : Painted monasteries, the National Park Cheile Bicazului(Bicaz Gorges), Red Lake(Lacu Rosu), Bison Reservation, Ceahlau National Park and so on, all you have to do is to get here and we will handle with everything(even with transportation from the airport here)
Rent price: 17 EUR / double room
Full Breakfast: 7 EUR/person(adult and child after 10 years ); 5 EUR/child 3-10 years
Half Board(breakfast+dinner) : 22 EUR/person(adult and child after 10 years ); 18 EUR/child 3-10 years
Full Board(breakfast+lunch+dinner): 40 EUR/person(adult and child after 10 years ); 30 EUR/child 3-10 years
Your Tent: 12 EUR/person after 5 years/day -price include breakfast , 220 V plug and access to bathroom
Location of the house
Surrounding Area
Ceahlau National Park
The Ceahlau Massif, wherein the park has been created, is placed in the north-central part of Eastern Carpathians, towards the western boundary of Neamţ County.
The main access points are Durău resort (Ceahlău commun) and the village Izvorul Muntelui, belonging to the small town of Bicaz. One can reach Durău resort from Topliţa, from Bicaz, following the left-hand contour road of Izvorul Muntelui Lake, or from the town of Tg.-Neamt. A rail track ends up in Bicaz. The alternative route, from Bicazul Ardelean is seldom used by tourists.
This area is interesting one, due to the differential erosion through conglomerates, which brought about steep rocky slopes (under the top of Ocolaşu Mare), towers (Panaghia, Claia lui Miron), columns and pillars. The karst is not typical for this park, the pure limestone being quite rare. As the slopes are frequently broken off, waterfalls and steep descendent flows have occurred, the most famous being Duruitoarea Waterfall. The Izvorul Muntelui reservoir stretches eastward; it is the largest inland lake (3, hectares).
The vegetation is being stratified and comprises plants with different origins. Among inferior plants, lichens (141 species) and mosses (194 species) are frequent, two of them being endemic species for Ceahlau. More than 1,1 species of flowering plants have been identified, of which 62 are Romanian endemic species, like: Ranunculus carpaticus, Hepatica transsilvanica, Campanula carpatica, Pedicularis baumgartenii, Hieracium pojoritense, Primula elatior ssp. leucophylla, Centaurea pinnatifida. Threatened species are Leontopodium alpinum, Nigritella rubra, Nigritella nigra, Cypripedium calceolus, yew (Taxus baccata), larch (Larix decidua ssp. carpatica). Endemic species, found out only here are the following ones: Hieracium caesium, Hieracium erythrocarpum, Hieracium pietroszense. Two glacier relicts live on conglomerate rocks (Saxifraga paniculata and Sesleria coerulans) while Lycopodium inundatum can be found on marshes. The most impressive natural population of Larix decidua ssp. Carpatica can be found here - trees up to 33 m height and 9 cm diameter. These patches of trees have been gathered into a natural reserve since 1955.
Vertebrate fauna is represented by 9 species of birds, many of them being typical for the mountains, and some mammals: the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), which has been colonized here and also some predators like: lynx (Lynx lynx), wolf (Canis lupus), and brown bear (Ursus arctos). Protected areas within the park: "Poliţa cu Crini" Reserve (37 hectares), Duruitoarea Waterfall (1 hectare). A scientific research area (5,83) was created between Lespezi and Piciorul Şchiop (west of Dochia cottage) and Scaunele Zeilor-Ocolaşu Mare (south).
The main access points are Durău resort (Ceahlău commun) and the village Izvorul Muntelui, belonging to the small town of Bicaz. One can reach Durău resort from Topliţa, from Bicaz, following the left-hand contour road of Izvorul Muntelui Lake, or from the town of Tg.-Neamt. A rail track ends up in Bicaz. The alternative route, from Bicazul Ardelean is seldom used by tourists.
This area is interesting one, due to the differential erosion through conglomerates, which brought about steep rocky slopes (under the top of Ocolaşu Mare), towers (Panaghia, Claia lui Miron), columns and pillars. The karst is not typical for this park, the pure limestone being quite rare. As the slopes are frequently broken off, waterfalls and steep descendent flows have occurred, the most famous being Duruitoarea Waterfall. The Izvorul Muntelui reservoir stretches eastward; it is the largest inland lake (3, hectares).
The vegetation is being stratified and comprises plants with different origins. Among inferior plants, lichens (141 species) and mosses (194 species) are frequent, two of them being endemic species for Ceahlau. More than 1,1 species of flowering plants have been identified, of which 62 are Romanian endemic species, like: Ranunculus carpaticus, Hepatica transsilvanica, Campanula carpatica, Pedicularis baumgartenii, Hieracium pojoritense, Primula elatior ssp. leucophylla, Centaurea pinnatifida. Threatened species are Leontopodium alpinum, Nigritella rubra, Nigritella nigra, Cypripedium calceolus, yew (Taxus baccata), larch (Larix decidua ssp. carpatica). Endemic species, found out only here are the following ones: Hieracium caesium, Hieracium erythrocarpum, Hieracium pietroszense. Two glacier relicts live on conglomerate rocks (Saxifraga paniculata and Sesleria coerulans) while Lycopodium inundatum can be found on marshes. The most impressive natural population of Larix decidua ssp. Carpatica can be found here - trees up to 33 m height and 9 cm diameter. These patches of trees have been gathered into a natural reserve since 1955.
Vertebrate fauna is represented by 9 species of birds, many of them being typical for the mountains, and some mammals: the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), which has been colonized here and also some predators like: lynx (Lynx lynx), wolf (Canis lupus), and brown bear (Ursus arctos). Protected areas within the park: "Poliţa cu Crini" Reserve (37 hectares), Duruitoarea Waterfall (1 hectare). A scientific research area (5,83) was created between Lespezi and Piciorul Şchiop (west of Dochia cottage) and Scaunele Zeilor-Ocolaşu Mare (south).
The Red Lake
The Red Lake (Lacu Rosu) is a natural storage dam lake and is situated at the foot of Hasmasu Mare Mountains, somewhere near the town Gheorgheni. It is the largest natural mountain lake in Romania, its name coming from the reddish alluvia (iron oxides and iron hydroxides) deposited in the lake by the Red Creek. During Ceausescu’s reign, these two wonders were compulsory tourist destinations for the ones who wanted to spend their vacations in the mountains.
The lake seems dark and threatening, the stumps that come out of the water makes you think that a lacustrian civilization met their fate just a few years before you pass by. Flocks of ducks just fly around you if you decide to venture into sailing a boat. This is a strong reason for which you should row your boat for almost 10 minutes in a contest along with the ducks. If you get too far away from the shore, you can see what’s left from this “civilization”.
The Red Lake was formed not too long ago, someday in July 1837, when after many storms in a row, a huge piece of stone separated from The Killer Mountain and blocked the Licas Creek, Oii Creek and the Red Creek. The only “witnesses” of this natural calamity are the spruce fir stumps that still remained in the water. Because of the fact that the Suhardu Mic Mountain had a purple reflection in the lake and of the reddish limy alluvia brought by the Red Creek, the shepherds decided to call it The Red Lake (Lacu Rosu).
Only in 1857, three tourists from Gheorgheni rested on its shores and they were amazed by the wild beauty of the mountain landscape. So therefore they spread the word that they discovered a piece of paradise. Since then, many tourists have been visiting this area, being attracted by the natural beauty of the lake and by the riches of the fauna and flora.
Red Lake. In 1910, the road from Gheorgheni to Lacu Rosu started to be built (it was built in fact only till the place called “Gatul Iadului), and it was finished in 1937. In other words, this road connected actually Transylvania and Moldavia.
The surroundings of the lake present a very rich fauna and flora. The coniferous forests are mixed with nut forests and the mountain willow. What the flora is concerned, one can see white pine trees, sycamore maple and poplar trees. The animals that live in the area are the following: the lynx, the chamois, wolves, stags and wild boars.
Legends: The first legend says that in Lazarea there lived a very beautiful girl, called Estera. She went to Ghoergheni and there she met a handsome lad that was supposed to be even stronger than a bear. Once they saw each other, they fell in love. The lad asked this girl to be his wife, but they couldn’t get married because the boy had to go in the army. Since then, they girl kept waiting for him, she used to go with the pitcher at the well, she used to wait for him for hours and hours, hoping that the one whom she loved, would return. It was a Sunday afternoon when, while passing by near the well, she was seen by a thief that kidnapped her, taking her to the caves of the Suhardu Mic Mountain, where he used to live. He promised the girl that he would give her everything, as long as she would marry him, but she refused to do so. The thief lost his patience and wanted to marry her by force. Then Estera cried to the mountains for help. The rocks heard the girl’s lament and summoned a heavy storm. The rain destroyed everything in its way, and so the girl and the thief were killed when the rocks fell on them. After that, all the mountain waters gathered there, forming The Red Lake. (The Killer).
The second legend says that on the meadow between the mountain slopes, there used to be the sheepfold, which was called the “Shepherds”. When the shepherds saw the storm approaching, they tried to run for cover, but when the killing mountain collapsed, it buried them alive together with their sheep.
The lake seems dark and threatening, the stumps that come out of the water makes you think that a lacustrian civilization met their fate just a few years before you pass by. Flocks of ducks just fly around you if you decide to venture into sailing a boat. This is a strong reason for which you should row your boat for almost 10 minutes in a contest along with the ducks. If you get too far away from the shore, you can see what’s left from this “civilization”.
The Red Lake was formed not too long ago, someday in July 1837, when after many storms in a row, a huge piece of stone separated from The Killer Mountain and blocked the Licas Creek, Oii Creek and the Red Creek. The only “witnesses” of this natural calamity are the spruce fir stumps that still remained in the water. Because of the fact that the Suhardu Mic Mountain had a purple reflection in the lake and of the reddish limy alluvia brought by the Red Creek, the shepherds decided to call it The Red Lake (Lacu Rosu).
Only in 1857, three tourists from Gheorgheni rested on its shores and they were amazed by the wild beauty of the mountain landscape. So therefore they spread the word that they discovered a piece of paradise. Since then, many tourists have been visiting this area, being attracted by the natural beauty of the lake and by the riches of the fauna and flora.
Red Lake. In 1910, the road from Gheorgheni to Lacu Rosu started to be built (it was built in fact only till the place called “Gatul Iadului), and it was finished in 1937. In other words, this road connected actually Transylvania and Moldavia.
The surroundings of the lake present a very rich fauna and flora. The coniferous forests are mixed with nut forests and the mountain willow. What the flora is concerned, one can see white pine trees, sycamore maple and poplar trees. The animals that live in the area are the following: the lynx, the chamois, wolves, stags and wild boars.
Legends: The first legend says that in Lazarea there lived a very beautiful girl, called Estera. She went to Ghoergheni and there she met a handsome lad that was supposed to be even stronger than a bear. Once they saw each other, they fell in love. The lad asked this girl to be his wife, but they couldn’t get married because the boy had to go in the army. Since then, they girl kept waiting for him, she used to go with the pitcher at the well, she used to wait for him for hours and hours, hoping that the one whom she loved, would return. It was a Sunday afternoon when, while passing by near the well, she was seen by a thief that kidnapped her, taking her to the caves of the Suhardu Mic Mountain, where he used to live. He promised the girl that he would give her everything, as long as she would marry him, but she refused to do so. The thief lost his patience and wanted to marry her by force. Then Estera cried to the mountains for help. The rocks heard the girl’s lament and summoned a heavy storm. The rain destroyed everything in its way, and so the girl and the thief were killed when the rocks fell on them. After that, all the mountain waters gathered there, forming The Red Lake. (The Killer).
The second legend says that on the meadow between the mountain slopes, there used to be the sheepfold, which was called the “Shepherds”. When the shepherds saw the storm approaching, they tried to run for cover, but when the killing mountain collapsed, it buried them alive together with their sheep.
Bicaz Canyon / Bicaz Gorges (Cheile Bicazului)
Downstream the Red Lake, you can see the Bicaz Canyon, which is dug by the Bicaz river waters and serves as a passageway between Transylvania and Moldavia. It is 8 km long until it reaches the village called Bicazul Ardelean. The Bicaz Canyon is part of the National Park “Bicaz Canyon”, which includes actually the following protected areas: The Red Lake, The Bicaz Canyon and The Hasmasu Mare Mountain.
The road inside this canyon looks like serpentine windings. The limy walls of the crags hide amazing caves (The Black Cave and The Waterfall Cave) and also circular precipices (Licas, the precipice with three entrances). Along this way, one may find bazaars where one can buy products made by the Romanian and Hungarian craftsmen from this area.
The road inside this canyon looks like serpentine windings. The limy walls of the crags hide amazing caves (The Black Cave and The Waterfall Cave) and also circular precipices (Licas, the precipice with three entrances). Along this way, one may find bazaars where one can buy products made by the Romanian and Hungarian craftsmen from this area.
Voronet Monastery
Perhaps the most famous and stunning of the painted monasteries is Voronet (Vo ro nets), founded in 1487 by Stephen the Great to celebrate a victory over the Turks. Widely known throughout Europe as "the Sistine Chapel of the East" due to its interior and exterior wall paintings, this monastery offers an abundance of frescoes featuring an intense shade of blue commonly known as ‘Voronet blue.’ The composition of the paint continues to remain a mystery even now, more than 500 years after the church was built.
Voronet Monastery was founded by Stephen the Great, ruling prince of Moldavia, to fulfill a pledge to Daniil, a hermit who had encouraged him to chase the Turks from Wallachiia. After defeating the Turks, Stephen erected Voronet in less than four months.
Portraits of ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle and Plato, are featured in the Tree of Jesus fresco.
Added in 1547, the frescoes of this church illustrate biblical scenes, prayers, episodes of sacred hymns and themes such as The Last Judgment and The Ladder of St. John, featuring colorful and detail-rich imagery of apostles, evangelists, philosophers, martyrs, angels and demons.
Monastic life at Voronet was interrupted in 1785 under Habsburg rule. It returned only in 1991 with the arrival of a community of nuns which strives to harmoniously combine a religious life of prayer with housekeeping and farm work. The nuns run a painting workshop and provide guided tours of the monastery for visitors.
Voronet Monastery was founded by Stephen the Great, ruling prince of Moldavia, to fulfill a pledge to Daniil, a hermit who had encouraged him to chase the Turks from Wallachiia. After defeating the Turks, Stephen erected Voronet in less than four months.
Portraits of ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle and Plato, are featured in the Tree of Jesus fresco.
Added in 1547, the frescoes of this church illustrate biblical scenes, prayers, episodes of sacred hymns and themes such as The Last Judgment and The Ladder of St. John, featuring colorful and detail-rich imagery of apostles, evangelists, philosophers, martyrs, angels and demons.
Monastic life at Voronet was interrupted in 1785 under Habsburg rule. It returned only in 1991 with the arrival of a community of nuns which strives to harmoniously combine a religious life of prayer with housekeeping and farm work. The nuns run a painting workshop and provide guided tours of the monastery for visitors.
Humor Monastery
Founded in 1530, Humor (Hoo mor) is rather small physically, but looms large among Bucovina’s treasures with a variety of frescoes dating from 1535, including one illustrating the Return of the Prodigal Son and one with a “humorous” depiction of the devil as a woman. The church, topped by a cross-shaped shingled roof, is without a steeple, indicating that it was built by a court official rather than a prince. The predominant hues of the frescoes are reddish brown with some rich blues and green infusions. An extremely valuable collection of icons from the 16th century is displayed in the monastery.
Moldovita Monastery
The Monastery of Moldovita (Mol do vee' tsa), located in the village of Vatra Moldovitei, was built by Petru Rares in 1532. The Siege of Constantinople frescoes were inspired by a poem dedicated to the Virgin Mary in thanksgiving for her intervention in saving the city of Constantinople from a Persian attack in A.D. 626. In a wonderful political spin, considering the Ottoman threat to Moldavia in the 1500s, the Siege on the walls of Moldovita Church depicts the enemy as turbaned Turks rather than Persians. The predominantly gold and deep blue paintings on the exterior walls were completed in 1537. The large and vivid Siege of Constantinople highlights the frescoes.
Another stunning representation depicts the Tree of Jesse, representing Christ’s genealogy, a wide-spread iconographical theme in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Another stunning representation depicts the Tree of Jesse, representing Christ’s genealogy, a wide-spread iconographical theme in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Varatec Manastery
Community of nuns. Patronal Feast: Nativity of the Birthgiver of God (the 8th of September). Location: Agapia commune (12 km south-west of Târgu Neamţ). From here you can reach Agapia Monastery and Sihla and Horăicioara hermitages on mountain paths. It was founded by abbess Olimpiada in 1785, but the present church was built by stone in 1812. The walls are very thick and the roofs of both cupolas have a bell shape, which is a specific feature. The inside painting dates from 19th century in a neo-Byzantine style and the altar screen was sculptured in gold yew tree. There are also St. John the Baptist Church (1844) and next to it the tomb of the poet Veronica Micle, The Transfiguration Church (1847), the bellfry and the St. Nicolas Chapel. Over time it was robbed, set on fire and destroyed , but it was rebuilt and consolidated. This monument of religious architecture has a library with very ancient books and a museum of medieval religious art. Close to the monastic village there are two famous reservations: "The Cooper Wood" and "The Silver Forest".
Sucevita Monastery
High walls and heavily buttressed defensive towers surround the great monastic complex of Sucevita, giving it the appearance of a fortress. Founded in 1581 by Gheorghe Movila, Bishop of Radauti, it was later expanded by his brother, Ieremia, ruling prince of Moldavia, who added massive ramparts and turrets. An elegant steeple resting on a star-shaped base tops the church. Massive eaves protect the outside frescoes, painted by local artists in 1602-1604.
Sucevita was the last of the 22 painted churches of Bucovina and has the largest number of painted images.
The western exterior wall of the church is not painted. Legend has it that work stopped after one of the painters fell from the scaffolding and died. Sucevita boasts a magnificent depiction of the Ladder to Paradise. Red-winged angels in orderly rows attend the righteous on a slanting ladder to the heavens, each rung inscribed with one of the monastic virtues. Sinners fall through the rungs and are driven by grinning devils to the chaos of hell. On the south side, foliage entwines the rows of figures in the Tree of Jesse. Following it is the Hymn to the Virgin.
Sucevita was a princely residence as well as a fortified monastery. Today, the thick walls shelter a museum presenting an outstanding collection of historical and art objects. The tomb covers of Ieremia and Simion Movila – rich portraits embroidered in silver thread – together with ecclesiastical silverware, books and illuminated manuscripts, offer eloquent testimony to Sucevita's importance first as a manuscript workshop, then as a printing center.
Sucevita was the last of the 22 painted churches of Bucovina and has the largest number of painted images.
The western exterior wall of the church is not painted. Legend has it that work stopped after one of the painters fell from the scaffolding and died. Sucevita boasts a magnificent depiction of the Ladder to Paradise. Red-winged angels in orderly rows attend the righteous on a slanting ladder to the heavens, each rung inscribed with one of the monastic virtues. Sinners fall through the rungs and are driven by grinning devils to the chaos of hell. On the south side, foliage entwines the rows of figures in the Tree of Jesse. Following it is the Hymn to the Virgin.
Sucevita was a princely residence as well as a fortified monastery. Today, the thick walls shelter a museum presenting an outstanding collection of historical and art objects. The tomb covers of Ieremia and Simion Movila – rich portraits embroidered in silver thread – together with ecclesiastical silverware, books and illuminated manuscripts, offer eloquent testimony to Sucevita's importance first as a manuscript workshop, then as a printing center.
Bistrita Monastery
A community of monks. Patronal Feast: Assumption of the Virgin ( the 15th of August) and The Life-Giving Fountain (the first Friday after Easter). Location: Alexandru cel Bun commune (7 km west of Piatra Neamţ). Successively founded by the Voivodes Alexandru cel Bun (1402), Ştefan cel Mare (1498), Petru Rareş (1546) and Alexandru Lăpuşneanu (1554). Its stone walls are over 1 m thick. The chapel, painted in the fresco technique, is iconographically and artistically remarkable. It posseses a collection of icons and religious objects and, most importantly, a famous miracle-working icon of St. Anna. In the pronaos there are the tombs of the voivodes' families. The monastery is subordinated by 18 hermitages.
Agapia Monastery
Year Built: 1642-1644 Built By: Vasile Lupu
The church was repaired and modified several times during the centuries. At present, the church has two exonarthexes, a pronaos, a naos with its tower, and a chancel, as well as an external diaconicon and prothesis on either side of the chancel.
Agapia Monastery, general view. The inscription on the wall of the church dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel says: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, I, slave of God hetman Gavriil and my wife Liliana, made and endowed this Agapia Monastery again, during the days of the right believer and lover of Christ Prince Vasile Lupu. And the construction started in the year 7150 (1642), October, the 15th day, and was completed in 7152 (1644), September, the 3rd, and was consecrated in 7155 (1647), September, the 12th”. After the consecration, many of the monks of Old Agapia moved downhill, and little by little, a real monastery was built around the church.
Cottages of nuns surround the monastery. The Church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel was designed by the court architect of Vasile Lupu, a certain Ionasc Ctisi, possibly originating from Constantinople. The Metropolitan of Moldavia, Varlaam, officiated at the consecration ceremony, which Vasile Lupu himself attended. On this occasion, hetman Gavriil, who was the brother of Prince Lupu, donated to the monastery a Gospel book written on parchment and decorated with miniatures of the Evangelists, as well as a silver gilt filigree cross with eight arms.
The church was repaired and modified several times during the centuries. At present, the church has two exonarthexes, a pronaos, a naos with its tower, and a chancel, as well as an external diaconicon and prothesis on either side of the chancel.
Agapia Monastery, general view. The inscription on the wall of the church dedicated to Archangels Michael and Gabriel says: “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, I, slave of God hetman Gavriil and my wife Liliana, made and endowed this Agapia Monastery again, during the days of the right believer and lover of Christ Prince Vasile Lupu. And the construction started in the year 7150 (1642), October, the 15th day, and was completed in 7152 (1644), September, the 3rd, and was consecrated in 7155 (1647), September, the 12th”. After the consecration, many of the monks of Old Agapia moved downhill, and little by little, a real monastery was built around the church.
Cottages of nuns surround the monastery. The Church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel was designed by the court architect of Vasile Lupu, a certain Ionasc Ctisi, possibly originating from Constantinople. The Metropolitan of Moldavia, Varlaam, officiated at the consecration ceremony, which Vasile Lupu himself attended. On this occasion, hetman Gavriil, who was the brother of Prince Lupu, donated to the monastery a Gospel book written on parchment and decorated with miniatures of the Evangelists, as well as a silver gilt filigree cross with eight arms.
Durau Monastery
Community of nuns. Patronal Feast: Annunciation (the 25th of March). Location: Durău Resort, Ceahlău commune (100 km north-west of Piatra Neamţ). It was founded in the 17th century by one of the Voivode Vasile Lupu’s daughters. It was rebuilt in 1835 with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Veniamin Costachi, through the persevering efforts of Father Ghervasie. It was painted by a famous Romanian painter, Nicolae Tonitza, from 1935-1937. The altar screen was sculptured in gold lime tree and painted at Constantinople. The monastery posseses a large silver miracle-working icon of The Holy Virgin made in the 18th century.
Sihastria Monastery
Community of monks. Patronal Feast: Nativity of the Birthgiver of God (the 8th of September). Located in Vânători-Neamţ commune (20 km south-est of Târgu Neamţ). It was founded in 1655 by Atanasie the hermit, rebuilt by stone in 1740 by the bishop Ghedeon of Roman/Huşi, rebuilt again in 1824. The altar screen was sculptured in gold lime tree. The painting is unique because of the several styles and themes. The monastery includes also a bellfry built in 1825, a chapel and a new church. Not far away (3,5 km) there is Sihla Hermitage and closed to it you can see the cave where lived the Venerable Theodora.
Horaita Monastery
Community of monks. Patronal Feast: Holy Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ (the 6th of Januarie). Location: The Commune of Crăcăoani (25 km north of Piatra Neamţ). It was founded in 1824 by the Archimandrite Irinarh Roset on the site of an old wood church dating the 15th century. In 1867 the Archimandrite Ermoghen Buhuş built a larger church of stone with 8 towers, that gives a remarkably impressive feature to the holy establishment. The monastery posseses a miracle-working icon of The Holy Virgin, manuscripts, very old books and other valubles.
Horăicioara Hermitage - Community of monks. Patronal Feast: Annunciation (The 25th of Mars). It can be reached by climbing 1.5 km through the forest. It was founded in 1446 at the order of the voivode Ştefan cel Mare and then rebuilt in stone in 1868 due to 1867 the Archimandrite Ermoghen Buhuş. The patronal feast became The Healing Spring because 150 m south there is a spring with healing power.
Horăicioara Hermitage - Community of monks. Patronal Feast: Annunciation (The 25th of Mars). It can be reached by climbing 1.5 km through the forest. It was founded in 1446 at the order of the voivode Ştefan cel Mare and then rebuilt in stone in 1868 due to 1867 the Archimandrite Ermoghen Buhuş. The patronal feast became The Healing Spring because 150 m south there is a spring with healing power.
The bison reservation Silvut-Hateg
The bison reservation of Slivut in Hateg was founded in 1958 with bison brought from Poland. In May 2009, the reservation at Slivut – Edinburgh were 6 bison of which 2 bison born in 2008. Every day, around 50 people visit the reserve.
In Romania there are two other bison reservation at Neamt and Prahova. The last bison who lived in the wild in Romania was killed in 1790.
The bison reservation-Slivut Central District is spread over an area of 50 acres, covered with forests, oaks and pines.
Bison from the reservation Slivut are representatives of European Bison Bonasus . Currently the only European bison in captive. The bison is the hardest European animal on land.
In Romania there are two other bison reservation at Neamt and Prahova. The last bison who lived in the wild in Romania was killed in 1790.
The bison reservation-Slivut Central District is spread over an area of 50 acres, covered with forests, oaks and pines.
Bison from the reservation Slivut are representatives of European Bison Bonasus . Currently the only European bison in captive. The bison is the hardest European animal on land.
Neamt Fortress
Founded in 1395 by voivode Petru I Muşat, then consolidated in the 15th century by Ştefan cel Mare and again renoved by voivodes Ieremia Movilă and Vasile Lupu. Its history is tied to the history of the country. Fortress Day: the 2nd of July.
The Medieval Complex - Piatra Neamt
It was founded in 1498-1499 by the voivode Ştefan cel Mare (Stephan the Great) and it is composed of: The Princely Church St. John the Baptist built of stone in a Moldavian style, the 19 m high tower and parts of the Princely Court (walls and the cellar arranged as a museum, placed near the “Petru Rareş” High School).
Munticelu Cave(Ghiocelu)
Placed on the left side of Bicaz Valley, in the Surduc-Munticelu Massif, on the range of Bicazu Ardelean commune. It was discovered in 1973 and it represents an old subterranean path of Sugau creek, when it passed the gorges caved in Cretacic limestones. It presents stalagmites and columns and on the ceiling it gets tubular or cone-shaped stalactites. Accessible only to professionals!
Tosorog Cave
Placed in the north-east of the Hasmas Mountains, on the Valley of the Fir, on the range of Bicazu Ardelean commune. It had evoluted in cretacic conglomerates and it is shaped like an underground maze.The cracks were widened by erosion and dissolving, forming the so-called "rooms" and the concretions were formed by chemical actions. The cave is inactive and can be visited only on specific routes, due to possible falls. Accessible only to professionals!
Sugau Gorges
Geological reservation placed at the southern edge of Munticelu Massif, on the range of Bicaz Chei commune. It has a surface of 90 ha. Worthly to notice is the wilderness of this karst phenommenon (characteristic microrelief, formed by the erosion of the limestones)