Backpacking in Romania: Visiting Sucevita Monastery in Southern Bucovina

My backpacking in Romania adventures continued in the north of the country. After a few days in Bucharest at the Little Bucharest Hostel I boarded a train heading north to Suceava and onwards to the town of Campulung Moldovenesc where I stayed in the trendy Dor de Bucovina Hostel. I had read all about the Bucovina region and made it a priority to visit the UNESCO listed coloured monasteries here. I first headed to Moldovita Monastery then onto this cool spot – Sucevita.

About Sucevita Monastery
Sucevita Monastery is a grand complex in the town of Sucevita. Getting here isn’t particularly easy. There is no public transport. This place is slightly less beaten than you expected it to be. In its untouristy charm the joys of Sucevita sparkle at you in the morning mist. It’s a sleeping giant like its brother Moldovita.

You could hire a car or book a tour to get here. In summer months its busier. As I work on the move these days I was able to get a private tour organised which meant I could visit a load of the key sights in the region in one day including Cacica Salt Mine and the Marginea Ceramics Factory. I’ve finally got round to typing them all up, this is the final post from that day.

Opening Hours of Sucevita Monastery
Generally speaking its a predictable 9-5 thing. You really need to see Sucevita in the day time to appreciate its charm – it’s coloured monasteries and when the sun sinks, there wouldn’t be much to see.

How much does it cost to visit Sucevita Monastery?
There is a 5 Lei charge though at the gate. There is also supposed to be a charge of an extra 10 Lei if you want to take photos. I was there in November and it was quiet so they didn’t charge me extra for the photos but they gave me the photo ticket anyway. They also offered a guide for me which was a lady who spoke in English and followed me around – but only for the bit inside the church and to explain the outer wall murals. You get issued with a ticket.

What to see at Sucevita Monastery
Despite the presence of a guide, it’s very much a walk round at your own leisure. The guide is a nun from the monastery and just asks if you want to learn about certain parts of the monastery. I asked for my own time in parts and also got her to explain a few things. I basically did 7 things:

1. Admired the main Church from the outside (photos permitted).

2. Admired the main Church from the inside (no photos allowed).

3. Admired the murals up close.

4. Walked around the internal part of the monastery within the walls.

5. Visited the museum inside the monastery (no photos allowed). Inside the museum is a load of artefacts and documents.

6. Had a look at the shop at the entrance (on the right as you go in).

7. Had a look around the outside of the monastery (it’s a grand walled complex).

My guide explained the story of the murals which seem to take you through the entire Bible from day one of the formation of earth, through the birth of Jesus, the miracles etc. It’s really fascinating and if you’re into your biblical history – stunning.

My adventure continued in southern Bucovina and I also visited Marginea, Suceava, Moldovita and Cacica. When Life allows me to slow down, I might just tell you all how cool those places were too. Here are my videos from Sucevita: