The Sucevita District is a historical region located in the Bukovina region of Romania, located north-east of Suceava. It is bordered by Radauti District from the north and east, Dorna District from the south, and Suceava and Rădăuți Districts from the west.
The district was established in the Middle Ages as an autonomous administrative region within the Principality of Moldavia, and is mentioned in the 14th century Romanian manuscript “Letopisețul Țării Moldovei” (Chronicle of Moldavia) as part of the Suceava County. The area of the Sucevita District comprises several parts of the former Russian Empire and is known as Stolniceni or “the base” of the Moldavian aristocracy.
In the late 19th century, the Sucevita District was annexed by the Kingdom of Romania, following a brief war between Romania and the Russian Empire. Today, Sucevita remains one of the most interesting districts in Romania, offering spectacular landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. It is also home to several historical landmarks, such as the Sucevita Monastery, the Voronet Monastery, the Dragomirna Monastery, and the Humor Monastery. Other points of interest include the Hermannstadt Monastery and the Voronet Gorges, as well as Bedeleu Dam and Ceahlau National Park.
The Sucevita District is known for its strong folk traditions and local markets, where visitors can find local crafts, such as pottery, woodcarving, and weaving, as well as local fruit and vegetables. The renowned Suceava traditional cheese is also produced in Sucevita and is a delight for all the gourmets. With its many attractions and rich cultural heritage, the Sucevita District is definitely worth visiting!
Sucevita district is located in the northern part of Romania within the borders of Suceava County. The main town in the district is Sucevita, located 28 kilometers south-east of the county capital of Suceava. Sucevita district also includes seven small villages: Costanesti, Probota, Poiana Negustorului, Mitocu Dragomirnei, Ostra, Stulpicani and Rasca.
The best way to get to Sucevita in Suceava district is by car. However, if you don’t have a car, you can take a bus from the main bus station in Suceava. You can also take a train from Suceava to the nearby town of Botoșani and then take a bus from there to Sucevita.
1. Sucevita Monastery: Located in the Sucevita district of Romania, the Sucevita Monastery is an important cultural and historical landmark. Founded by the Dragos family of Wallachia in 1582, it is a comprehensive complex of religious and historical buildings that includes a monastery, a fortification and a church. The Monastery also boasts exquisite fresco paintings and frescoed ornaments which are a major tourist attraction.
2. Putna Monastery: Located in the same district, the Putna Monastery is a historical monument of the Orthodox faith in Romania dating back to 1466. It is a monumental architectural and artistic complex with Byzantine-style paintings on the exterior walls and a church built in 1527. It is recognized as the cradle of Romanian culture, and the burial site of Romanian ruler Stephen the Great.
3. Sucevita Fortress: Constructed by the Dragos family in the late 16th century as a defensive fortress, the Sucevita Fortress is an important piece of Romanian history. It is a massive stone fortification with four towers, an inner courtyard and walls that are 10 meters high. It has been classified as a monument of national importance and is a popular tourist attraction.
4. Sucevita Town Hall: Built in the 18th century during the period of the Austrian occupation, the Sucevita Town Hall is a Baroque-style building that served as the residence of the local authorities. It features an impressive inner courtyard with arcades, a tower and various outbuildings. It is a favorite of visitors and an important piece of Sucevita’s historical legacy.
1. Putna Monastery and Museum: This monastery in Sucevita district is one of the oldest in Romania and dates back to 1466. It is surrounded by a beautiful park and offers a detailed History of the Moldovan region. It is home to a number of remarkable frescoes, depicting saints and major historical figures. Entrance is free.
2. Sucevita Fortress: This fortress is a must-see during any visit to Sucevita district. The complex comprises of a citadel and several towers, each with its own unique design. This 16th century monument is open to visitors all year round and provides fantastic views of the surrounding area.
3. Gura Humorului: This old wooden village is one of the most popular places to visit in the Sucevita district. Its traditional architecture and cobbled streets have been preserved over the years, offering an insight into rural life in this corner of Romania. Take a leisurely stroll around the village, sampling the local cuisine and visiting some of the traditional craft workshops.
4. Sucevița Monastery: This impressive 16th century religious complex includes five churches and a bell tower. Inside, you’ll be able to admire many beautiful frescoes, plus a collection of notable artwork including religious symbols and portraits. This is definitely one of the most impressive and important religious sites in the region.
5. Gheorghe’s Cave Reserve: This reserve is home to a number of spectacular caves and grottoes, as well as natural hot springs and a wide range of flora and fauna. This is an ideal spot for explorers looking for unique and remote experiences. Guided tours are available and you can even visit an abandoned salt-mine.
6. Voroneț Monastery: Located in the nearby commune of Gura Humorului, Voroneț Monastery is one of the most iconic monuments in Romania. Founded in the early 15th century, this monastery is famous for its frescoes, depicting religious imagery as well as a most impressive dragon mural.
There are a variety of outdoor recreation activities available in Sucevita district, Romania. These activities range from outdoor sports to cultural and historical attractions to enjoy.
Outdoor Sports:
-Hiking: Sucevita offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels of experience and difficulty.
-Fishing: The district is home to a variety of fish species, making fishing an enjoyable activity for anglers of all levels.
-Climbing: The area’s limestone cliffs make for a great climbing location for climbers of all levels.
Cultural and Historical Attractions:
-Sucevita Monastery: This 16th century monastery is a great cultural and historical site to visit and explore.
-Sucevita Church of the Assumption: This 15th century church is a great architectural marvel and a great place to explore.
-Churches of Moldovita and Humor: These 15th century churches offer a unique cultural and historical experience.
Other Activities:
-Biking: Sucevita district is a great place to explore by bike.
-Horseback Riding: The area has a variety of businesses that offer horseback riding excursions.
-Bird Watching: The district is home to a variety of migratory and resident birds, making it a great place to spot them.