Suceava

Why?

One of the cradles of Romanian civilization, Suceava is a place that lives and breathes history, maintaining a perfect balance between tradition and customs, spirituality and modernism.

On your way to the painted monasteries of Bucovina, make a stop in Suceava where you will be fascinated by the impressive ruins of the Suceava Stronghold, the old medieval churches and its other historical buildings and museums.

A stroll down the streets of its historical center will transport you back to a time long past; and if you want the full historical experience, don’t hesitate to participate in one of the numerous events organized here.

Discover

Suceava - today with a population of approximately 90,000 - is one of the oldest and most important cities in Romania, thanks to its historical significance and strategic positioning at the foot of the Obcinele Bucovinei.

The city was first mentioned in documents in 1388, when it was already an important administrative and commercial center of Moldavia. It achieved the peak of its economic and social development under Stephen the Great (the voivode who protected the country from many enemies, most importantly from the Turks, against whom he fought 36 battles, losing only 2). His successors continuously contributed to the economical, artistic and cultural development of Suceava up until the capital of Moldavia was moved to Iasi. With this, Moldavia entered a new stage in its history and the citadel of Suceava was destroyed in 1675 on the order of the Ottoman Empire.

Even so, the remains of this flourishing period in its history can still be glimpsed by admiring the ruins of the stronghold. It is the oldest feudal architectural ensemble in the country.

Other interesting attractions worth visiting are the medieval churches: Sf. Gheorghe-Mirăuţi church, Sf. Dumitru church, Sf. Ioan Botezătorul church, St. Ioan cel Nou monastery with its monumental church of St. Gheorghe that is included in UNESCO World Heritage, or the medieval fortified complex of the Zamca Armenian monastery. Alongside these medieval gems, Suceava has a veritable selection of museums and historical buildings: the Ethnographic Museum in the building of old Lordly Inn, the Natural Sciences Museum, the Bucovina Museum in the former prefecture building, or the Bucovinean Village Museum, situated close to the Fortification.

All of these alongside the many festivals and fairs throughout the year ( the Medieval Festival, The Ciprian Porumbescu Festival of the European Arts, the “Produs în Bucovina” fair, the Potters Fair or the Old Costume Festival) and the hospitality of the locals, make Suceava an important tourist center in Northern Moldavia and the Gateway into Bucovina.

We recommend

A walk around 22 December Square to admire the urban architecture and discover the major medieval attractions.
The Medieval Festival, held in August, offers 15th century armed combat re-enactments, archery, theater, medieval dances, fire shows and various contests for all ages.

Good to know

Suceava is accessible via European route E85 (Bucureşti – Bacău – Roman – Suceava – Siret) and from Transylvania on European route E576 (Cluj-Napoca – Vatra Dornei – Suceava).
By train it is linked to the capital by the Bucureşti - Iaşi - Ungheni - Republica Moldova route.
The Stefan cel Mare international Airport is situated in city of Salcea, in the East of Suceava County, 12 km away from the city center.
The tourist information center is located at 4 Mitropoliei street. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-16:30, Saturday 8:00-13:00.
The main post office is on Dimitrie Onciul Street, next to the synagogue. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-19:00, Saturday 8:00-13:00.
The city and its surroundings offer many accommodation possibilities accessible to all budgets.