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History of Bucovina Situated in the North of Moldavia, Bucovina is a region blessed with a luxurious nature, keeper of ancient civilization, where history and legend merge together. The archaeological discoveries of Bucovina hold evidences that Geto-Dacian settlements existed here from ancient times. During the Middle Ages, the region was the north-western third of the Moldavian Principality. The region remained political centre of Moldavia having Suceava as the capital until 1574, when the capital was moved to Iai. The Princely Citadel of Suceava, which was the fortress of the most important prince of Moldavia, Stephen the Great, it is in the present an important tourist attraction. The name Bucovina came into official use in 1775 when the region became part of the Austrian Empire. The official German name, die Bukowina, which stands for beech tree, remained in use after 1918, when the region became again part of Moldavia and Romania. Nowadays, the term Bucovina became synonymous to Suceava County. Bucovina is one of the most attractive and visited tourist areas in Romania. No wonder this area was given in 1975 the Pomme dOr international prize by The International Federation of Travel Writers and Tourism Journalists (FIJET). The history and cultural life of the region is illustrated by the numerous museums and cultural centres like: History Museum of Suceava, Water Museum of Falticeni, Ion Irimescu Museum, Memorial House Mihail SADOVEANU, Memorial House Nicolae LABIS, and Memorial House Ciprian Porumbescu.

2. Bucovina the land of painted churches The exterior or interior frescoes of the century-old churches of Bucovina represent one of the most astonishing treasures of Moldavian art. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries by moldavian rulers or boyars, they are illustrated Bibles, unique in the world. Due to their artistic value and unique architecture, since 1993, eight of these monuments are part of the UNESCOs World Cultural Heritage. Voronet Monastery - The Sistine Chapel of the East - was built in three months and three weeks, in 1488 by Stephen the Great and painted on the outside in the time of ruling prince Petru Rares. The most predominant colour is the "Vorone blue", which is nowadays an artistic term included in the publications of international art. The most dramatic fresco is The Last Judgement which decorates the whole western wall. Sucevita Monastery was built in 1583, by the three brothers Movil. The monastery appears like a strong citadel, with massive towers. Sucevita is the monument with the greatest number of images. The frescoes are very remarkable, colourful and well preserved. Its specific colour is bright green. Moldovita Monastery was built in 1532 and painted five years later by prince Petru Rare. One of the most valuable scenes of Moldovita is the Siege of Constantinople. The colour specific to Moldovias frescoes is yellow. Humor Monastery was founded by Chancellor Theodor Bubuiog in 1530. The Church is without the tower, as it was built by a nobleman, and not by a ruling prince. The hues are brilliant, mostly purple-red, as it can be better seen in the fresco of the southern wall. Putna Monastery was founded by Stephen the Great and since 1466 serving as family cemetery. The monastery museum has an important collection of medieval art objects, mainly from the time of Stephen the Great and his immediate successors. Other important churches and monasteries are: Probota, Dragomirna, Rca, Ptrui, Slatina, Saint John the New of Suceava.

3. Traditions and Customs in Bucovina Bucovina is known for its folk craftsmen who continue the traditions handed down from generation to generation. Traditional costumes, painted eggs, carved wooden objects, embroideries and carpets, furniture and pottery are still part of daily life. Life in the rural environment is simple and complex at the same time: people still follow strict rules of behaviours and maintain ancient traditions. The life of a peasant has always meant making the land productive, not with the aim of becoming rich, but simply to assure a good living for his family. Woodworking is much appreciated in Bucovina, where the material is plentiful. Wood is used for most household objects, as well as building the houses. The different parts of the house are decorated with carvings, such as the pillars or the gates. The Wood Art Museum of Campulung Moldovenesc presents the craftsmen's tradition in wood processing in Bucovina. Bucovina is one of the few regions where the tradition of painted Easter eggs is still alive. In villages like Brodina, Sucevia, Vama, Breaza or Ulma the biggest and hardest eggs are turned into real masterpieces. There are two museums of painted eggs: The Egg Museum of Vama and The Egg Museum of Moldovia. An ancient occupation in the zone is the making of pottery. There are two wellknown centers of workshops: Marginea renowned for black pottery and Rdui renowned for Crlibaba pottery. The most important folk museums in Bucovina are: Bucovina Village Museum of Suceava, Museum of Ethnography Rdui and Museum of Folk Customs Gura Humorului. The exhibits speak for themselves about the creative potential of people who have made from the popular craft means of existence, enriching all that is beautiful in the occupations specific to Bucovina settlements.

4. Outdoor activities in Bucovina Not only does the cultural, historical and religious frame attract tourists in Bucovina, it is also the diversity and abundance of opportunities for activities. As one of the most heavily forested region of Romania, Bucovina is a nature paradise and shelters one of the largest concentrations of fauna on the continent. Mountain meadows are blanketed with rare wildflowers in summer and deep snowdrifts in winter, making the region an excellent place to holiday year round. The Mountains of Bucovina are the best place where those who like long walks or hikes can practice their hobby, while enjoying wonderful landscapes. There are many trails and routes suited for all levels of experience, crossing the mountains from the highest peak to the deepest valley. The mountainous relief allows paragliding in the surroundings of Vatra Dornei resort. The upper course of the Bistria River presents areas suited for riverrafting or canoeing. Although the cycling infrastructure is not very developed, several regions offer excellent routes for mountain biking, such as: Vatra Dornei, Gura Humorului or Sucevia areas. Rock climbing is also a popular sport, mostly because there are many places where tourists can perform this activity. The Zugreni Gorge or Arini Park are among the best and most suitable for rock climbing. From December to March, the Bucovinas ski domain ensures good conditions for practicing winter mountain sports. The most popular winter resorts are Vatra Dornei and Gura Humorului. They offer the best facilities for skiing and other winter sports like snowboarding or sleighing. There are also modern ski slopes in Malini, Sucevita and Carlibaba. A great outdoor travel in Bucovina should also include: the Forest Reserve of Sltioara, near the Raru Peak, one of the oldest woods in Romania; the Rdui Stud Farm and Lucina Stud Farm; the swimming pools at the Arinis Park in Gura Humorului or the University of Suceava; the Salt Mine of Cacica. If the travellers get tired or hungry, there will be always chalets, huts, pensions or 5 stars hotels available. And if you want to always remember this area, try a portion of the local meal and natural fruits and beverages!

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