Vicovu de Jos is a small town located in the northwestern part of Suceava County in Romania. It is situated on the main road that links Suceava and the village of Baia. The town is bordered by the rivers Iacobeni and Vicovu to the south and north respectively. Vicovu de Jos is believed to have been first mentioned in the documents of the 14th century, and eventually a parish of Vicovu de Jos was mentioned in a document written in 1682. Over the centuries, brick churches were built during the reign of Ioan Golescu, a Moldavian Voivode who reigned from 1822-1828.
The town was known for its timber and leather industries, as well as for its market. However, with the arrival of communism, the town’s industries were nationalized and industry declined. The town began to decline until the fall of communism in 1989 and today Vicovu de Jos is an important agricultural center with various small businesses. The town celebrates its annual festival with a parade and traditional dances in August and attracts many tourists.
The main landmark of the town is the recently renovated church which was built in 1686. The main attraction of Vicovu de Jos is its colorful landscapes, natural landscapes such as the forest, river and small hill and the nearby Carpathian Mountains. The town also offers many walking trails that are perfect for exploring the natural surroundings.
Vicovu de Jos is a great destination for nature lovers and for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Suceava Vicovu de Jos is a district in Suceava County, Romania. It is composed of seven localities, of which the most important is the village of Vicovu de Jos. It borders the following districts: Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Gura Humorului and Marginea. The area of the district is 319km2.
If you’re starting from a nearby city or town, you can travel to Suceava Vicovu de Jos district by car, bus, or train. Car is the most convenient way since you can set your own schedule and don’t have to worry about waiting for public transportation. There are also a variety of private taxi or ride-sharing services available for your convenience.
The small village of Vicovu de Jos, in Suceava County, Romania is home to some of the most spectacular historical sites in the region. The village itself is also placed in a landscape of beautiful forests, rivers, and breathtaking views.
1. Monastery of Moldavia: This impressive monastery was built in the 15th century and is an important religious site for the locals since it is home to the shrine and relics of Saint Dionysius of Suceava and the tomb of Bishop Basil of Moldavia.
2. Putna Monastery: Founded in 1466 by Prince Stephen the Great of Moldavia, Putna Monastary is one of Romania’s most important and best-preserved medieval religious sites. Its ornate, fresco-filled church is a symbol of Moldavian culture, and its outer walls are decorated by a number of interesting, large-scale stone carvings.
3. The Palace of Stephen the Great: The legendary prince, who held court in Vicovu de Jos, is immortalized with a stunning wooden palace with traditional, Moldavian style architecture. The palace is now a museum, filled with antiquities and artifacts related to Stephen the Great and his legacy.
4. Vicovu de Jos Castle: This historic castle was built in the 14th century and stands as a reminder of the important strategic position of the town and of Romania’s past.
5. The Unesco-listed Reformed Church: Built in 1647, this Protestant church is situated in the middle of Vicovu de Jos’s small downtown area. Its beautiful interior and exterior are sure to make a lasting impression on any visitor.
1. Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God – Located in the heart of Vicovu de Jos, this Orthodox Church is one of the oldest in Romania. The first documents referring to the church date back from 1480, although archaeological excavations have suggested that there is an even older structure beneath the one currently standing. With its distinctive red brick walls and traditional bell tower, the Church of the Dormition is a beloved sight in the region.
2. Dragos Voda Monastery – Founded in the 16th century, this beautiful monastery is situated on a hill overlooking Vicovu de Jos. Originally belonging to Dragos Voda, a famous Romanian ruler and brother of Vlad the Impaler, the monastery is one of the most important cultural and religious sites in the region. This is where Romanian kings and princes used to spend time in retreat. Today, the monastery houses several religious artifacts, as well as old manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures.
3. Mills of Vicovu de Jos – The mills of Vicovu de Jos have been a big part of the local culture and economy since the Middle Ages. The town is situated along the Putna River, which provides the ideal conditions for the operation of several water mills. Visitors can take a walk around the river and explore the old mill ruins, some of which date back to the 13th century.
4. Tatar Mountain Natural Reserve – Located on the northern edge of the town, the Tatar Mountain Natural Reserve is an important part of the local ecosystem. This picturesque spot offers stunning views of the countryside and is ideal for hiking, bird watching, and camping.
5. Gurma Manor – Also known as “The House from the Edge of the Earth”, the Gurma Manor is a beautiful 18th-century mansion perched on top of a hill. Built in a Romantic-style, the manor was once owned by Count Joseph Schmidt and is now home to a museum and art gallery. The estate features lush gardens, luxurious interiors, and a beautiful chapel.
6. Putna Monastery – Founded in the 15th century by Prince Stephen the Great, the Putna Monastery is one of the most important cultural and religious sites of Romania. Located on the banks of the Putna River, the monastery is home to important religious artifacts, as well as a beautiful castle, gardens, and a museum.
Suceava Vicovu de Jos district offers many activities for tourists to enjoy.
Outdoor Activities – There are plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed in the Suceava Vicovu de Jos district. The beautiful rolling hills create an inviting setting for a range of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and hang gliding. There are also many scenic lookouts to admire the landscape.
Cultural Exploration – The district is home to many cultural and historical sites. These include the Putna Monastery, Voronet Monastery and Humor Monastery, all of which are a part of the UNESCO-protected World Heritage Sites. Other attractions include the Mocanita Heritage Steam Train, which runs through the hills and valleys of the region, and the wooden churches of Maramures.
Historical Sites – The district is also full of historical sites, including the Ceahlau National Park, which is one of Romania’s most important historical and cultural spots. The nearby Sihastru Museum is also a popular tourist attraction, as is the Neamţ Citadel.
Museums – There are a number of interesting museums in the Suceava Vicovu de Jos district. The Suceava Military History Museum offers visitors a unique insight into this unique part of Romania’s history. The Monasteriul Humor museum also offers a look at local monastic life and its spiritual and artistic traditions.
Sports – The area is also renowned for its many sporting activities, including skiing, fishing, rafting and canoeing. Other popular activities include horse riding, paragliding and off-road adventures.