PUTNA MONASTERY
This is the northernmost of the Bucovina monasteries. Its enchanting setting, among forests and hills, is worth a visit in itself. It houses the tomb of the founder of many of Moldavia's religious buildings, Ștefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great), making it a mecca for Romanian patriotism. In fact, you'll be greeted by a statue of national poet Mihai Eminescu, erected in memory of his 1871 speech, delivered right here, in which he declared, "Let's make Putna the Jerusalem of Romania." Built in 1469, this is Ștefan cel Mare's first fortified construction. It has undergone numerous alterations and restorations over the centuries, not least following the terrible fire that ravaged it two years after construction was completed. Of the original construction, only the Treasure Tower on the west wall remains. The present church, 35 m high, dates from 1662. The pyramidal roofs of its towers echo those of the well.
The builder's tomb is a fine Carrara marble ensemble, surmounted by a baldachin (which distinguishes it from the tombs of his two successive wives) and decorated with the aurochs' head, Moldavia's emblem. He had decided to rest here as soon as construction of the complex began, and supervised the construction of his tomb himself.
The Putna monastery, now home to a community of monks, was also an important cultural center, as evidenced by the remarkable collection of embroidery and illuminated manuscripts on display in the museum.
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