This northeastern Romanian city houses impressive medieval structures like the Suceava Citadel. Its old town charms with winding streets and traditional cuisine, while its proximity to Moldova adds cultural intrigue.
Suceava, located in northeastern Romania, is home to landmarks such as the Medieval Seat Fortress, the Church of St. George, and the Bucovina Museum Complex. The city serves as a gateway to the region's painted monasteries and offers opportunities to try traditional Bucovina dishes and attend local festivals.
Festivals and Events
Plan your visit to attend one of Suceava's cultural festivals. In August, the Medieval Art Festival recreates Stephen the Great's court with music, dance, and craft demonstrations. During December, the Winter Customs Festival features traditional caroling and folk dances from the Bucovina region.
Churches and Monasteries
Explore Suceava's religious sites, including the Church of St. George, completed in 1522, with its detailed frescoes on the interior and exterior walls. This church is a UNESCO World Heritage site that represents the region's painted church style. Visit the nearby Monastery of St. John the New, which holds the relics of the 14th-century martyr John the New of Suceava and receives Orthodox pilgrims from throughout Romania.
Museums of Bucovina
Visit the Bucovina Museum Complex to understand the local history and culture. At the Bucovina History Museum, see displays of medieval armor, coins, and ancient documents that detail the area's past. Explore the open-air Bucovina Village Museum to view authentic peasant houses, workshops, and a wooden church relocated from surrounding villages.
Local Cuisine
Enjoy traditional Bucovina dishes at Suceava's local restaurants. Order sarmale, which are cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, or mămăligă, polenta served with sour cream and cheese. Try cozonac, a sweet bread filled with nuts and raisins. Local specialties include tochitura, a pork stew, and afinată, a blueberry liqueur made in the nearby Carpathian Mountains.
Painted Monasteries
Suceava is a starting point for visiting Bucovina's painted monasteries. Within an hour's drive, reach Voroneț, Humor, Moldovița, and Sucevița monasteries. These 15th and 16th-century Orthodox monasteries feature exterior frescoes that depict biblical scenes and the lives of saints. At Voroneț, notice the extensive use of blue pigment in the paintings, while Humor monastery's frescoes are dominated by red tones.
Medieval Fortress of Suceava
The Medieval Seat Fortress stands prominently on Suceava's skyline. Constructed in the late 14th century, the fortress served as the capital of the Principality of Moldavia for nearly two centuries. Walk along the restored fortress walls and climb its towers, gaining perspective on medieval defensive architecture. During summer, the fortress hosts historical reenactments where you can watch costumed performers demonstrate traditional crafts and military techniques from the Middle Ages.
Getting There and Around
Reach Suceava by flying into Stefan cel Mare International Airport, located approximately 12 km east of the city center. Take regular trains and buses that connect Suceava with major Romanian cities such as Bucharest, Iași, and Cluj-Napoca. Use city buses and minibuses for public transportation within Suceava. To visit nearby monasteries and villages, rent a car or join an organized tour.
