Voroneț Monastery is also often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East”, representing a very important tourist attraction in Bucovina. It is located in the village of Voroneț, just 4 kilometers from Gura Humorului, and impresses with its history and architecture.
It is a nunnery, dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr George – the bearer of victory, and is part of the group of Painted Churches in northern Moldova, created by UNESCO.
Brief History of Voroneț Monastery
The Voroneț Monastery is located on the site of another wooden church in the past. Its historical importance is closely linked to the name of the ruler Ștefan cel Mare who, over time, offered the monastery several estates, including the Știlbicani estate, as well as several books, vestments and church ornaments. The same was done by his successors, Bogdan III, Petru Rareș and Alexandru Lăpușneanu.
Having been consecrated since 1488, the Voroneț Monastery became an important name in the Orthodox faith due to the appearance of the monk Daniil, who lived at the monastery for 20 years, whose presence is believed to have contributed greatly to achieving a very high level of spiritual life.
Legend has it, according to chronicler Ion Neculce, that the Voroneț Monastery was built under the guidance of the hermit Father Daniil for Stephen the Great who, distraught after the defeat at Războieni in 1476, came to confess to him. It was Father Daniil who advised him to give up fighting and, if he won the war, to build a monastery in Voroneț.
1785 was a year of hardship for the Voroneț Monastery, part of the group of 23 monasteries that were abolished by the Austrian Empire, after they annexed the northern part of Moldova. The monks were forced to leave the Monastery, and the cells were turned into ruins.
The status of historical monument that the church of the former Voroneț monastery has was granted in 1918 and it still has it today.
After a 206-year hiatus, in 1991 the Voroneț Monastery resumed its monarchical life, becoming a community of nuns.
The Voroneț Monastery hosts, among its numerous tourist attractions, the tomb of the hermit Daniil, in the narthex.
Painting of the Voroneț Monastery
The painting inside the church is, to a large extent, the same as it was during the time of Stephen the Great, made in 1496. Paintings such as the Last Supper, the Washing of the Feet, the Passion Cycle, the Communion of the Apostles, as well as a votive painting depicting the ruler Stephen the Great are the main attractions among the paintings.
The Voroneț Monastery is also famous for its exterior painting, which dates back to the reign of Petru Rareș. It features various biblical figures and the vivid colors of the frescoes, with notable shades of green and blue, are a unique feature.
The architecture of the Voroneț Monastery is representative of the Moldavian style. It presents Byzantine characteristics, but also elements that are part of the late Gothic. There are also a lot of characteristics of local art, and all these characteristics combined offer a unique and impressive architecture.
Voroneț Monastery is also famous for the shade of blue used to paint the exterior frescoes, also known as Voroneț Blue .
Visiting hours and prices
During the tourist season, namely the period May – September, the monastery can be visited daily between 8:30 AM and 8:00 PM, while in the off-season (October – April) visits are available between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
The prices for visiting are 5 lei for adults, 2 lei for children, pupils and students, and the photography fee is 10 lei.
