Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PUTNA
Some 28km northwest of Rădăuţi, along a forested road dotted by traditional villages,
Putna Monastery
( 0230 414-055;
www.putna.ro
; Putna; museum admission adult/
student 5/2 lei)
, built 1466-1481, was built by Ştefan cel Mare following his victory over
the Turks at Chilia (a large white cross indicates where he stood). About 60 monks live
here. Simple accommodation is offered, ranging from dorm-type large rooms with five to
28 beds to en-suite doubles. Prices and availability change during the year so check ahead.
Putna Museum
, behind the monastery, houses Eastern Europe's largest Byzantine
items collection. Treasures include medieval manuscripts and the Holy Book that Ştefan
cel Mare carried into battle. The largest of three bells inscribed in Old Church Slavonic
outside dates from 1484, and was rung for royal deaths.
While Putna lacks spectacular frescoes, its royal inhabitants (Ştefan cel Mare is buried
in the tomb room) keep it close to the Romanian heart. The graves of Ştefan's third wife,
Maria Voichiţa, their two children, Bogdan and Petru, and Ştefan cel Mare's second wife,
Maria are here too.
Sights
Daniel the Hermit's Cave
(Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul)
Just 2km from Putna, this cave contains a wooden table and
memorial plaque to the 15th-century hermit and seer Daniel Dimitru. A monk by age 16,
Daniel later dug and inhabited this rock cave; his fame was such that Ştefan cel Mare con-
sulted him before doing battle.
From Putna, turn right off the main road following the sign for Cabana Putna. Bear left
at the fork and continue to the second fork. Turn right, cross the railway tracks and contin-
ue over a small bridge, following the dirt road until you see the rock marked by a stone
cross on your left.
CAVE
Sleeping & Eating
Pensions abound and monastery lodging is available. Alternatively, seek enlightenment by
camping opposite the Hermit's Cave.
Pensiunea Aga $
GUESTHOUSE
