Putna Monastery (Manastirea Putna): The Jerusalem of the Romanian People +video and views
Posted: Fri Feb 13, 2026 5:28 pm
Located in the serene landscape of Bukovina, Putna Monastery stands as a symbol of Romanian resilience, faith, and art. Built between 1466 and 1469 by the legendary Prince Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare), it has served for centuries as a spiritual lighthouse for the nation.
The Necropolis of a Saint
The monastery is most famous for housing the tomb of its founder, Stephen the Great (Stefan cel Mare) (see more), who was later canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church. His tomb, made of white marble, remains a place of pilgrimage, along with the graves of several of his family members and other Moldavian rulers.
Architectural Splendor
While the original church suffered damages over the centuries due to invasions and natural disasters, the current structure (rebuilt in the 17th century) preserves the classic Moldavian style:
One of the most impressive artifacts is the great bell named Buga, commissioned by Stephen the Great himself. It is said that its sound can be heard far across the valleys, calling the faithful to prayer for over 500 years.
Nearby: The Cave of Daniel the Hermit
Just a short distance from the monastery, you can find the Cell of Daniel the Hermit (Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul) (see more), a small chapel and cell carved entirely into a rock. Daniel was the spiritual advisor to Stephen the Great and encouraged him to build Putna after a crucial military victory.
A nice video presenting Putna Monastery (Manastirea Putna):
FAQ: Visiting Putna Monastery
1. Where is Putna Monastery located?
It is situated in the northern part of Romania, in Bukovina (Suceava County), approximately 33 km north of the town of Rădăuți, near the border with Ukraine.
2. Who is buried at Putna Monastery?
Putna is the burial place of its founder, Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare), one of Romania's most revered historical figures. You can also find the tombs of Maria of Mangup (his second wife), Maria Voichița (his third wife), and several of his descendants.
3. Is there a dress code for visiting?
Yes. As Putna is an active monastery, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Women should wear skirts that cover the knees and have their shoulders covered, and men should wear long trousers. If you are not dressed appropriately, the monastery usually provides wraps at the entrance.
4. What can I see in the Monastery Museum?
The museum is world-renowned for its collection of 15th-century medieval embroideries, religious objects made of precious metals, and rare manuscripts. It is considered one of the most important medieval museums in the Balkans.
5. Can I take photos inside the church?
Photography is usually allowed in the courtyard and outside the buildings. However, taking photos or filming inside the church is generally prohibited or requires a special permit, out of respect for the religious services and the sacred space.
6. Can I visit Daniel the Hermit's cell from here?
Yes, Daniel the Hermit's Cell (Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul) is located just about 1 km away from the monastery. It is an easy walk or a 2-minute drive and is definitely worth seeing as part of your visit to Putna.
The Necropolis of a Saint
The monastery is most famous for housing the tomb of its founder, Stephen the Great (Stefan cel Mare) (see more), who was later canonized by the Romanian Orthodox Church. His tomb, made of white marble, remains a place of pilgrimage, along with the graves of several of his family members and other Moldavian rulers.
Ultra-wide aerial view of Putna Monastery in the winter.
While the original church suffered damages over the centuries due to invasions and natural disasters, the current structure (rebuilt in the 17th century) preserves the classic Moldavian style:
- The Treasury Tower (Turnul Tezaurului): The only structure remaining from the original 15th-century ensemble, used to hide the monastery's riches during sieges.
- Intricate Stonework: The exterior decorations blend Gothic elements with traditional Byzantine influences.
- The Museum: Putna houses one of the richest monastic museums in Eastern Europe, featuring rare manuscripts, 15th-century embroideries, and silver-bound gospels.
One of the most impressive artifacts is the great bell named Buga, commissioned by Stephen the Great himself. It is said that its sound can be heard far across the valleys, calling the faithful to prayer for over 500 years.
Nearby: The Cave of Daniel the Hermit
Just a short distance from the monastery, you can find the Cell of Daniel the Hermit (Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul) (see more), a small chapel and cell carved entirely into a rock. Daniel was the spiritual advisor to Stephen the Great and encouraged him to build Putna after a crucial military victory.
A nice video presenting Putna Monastery (Manastirea Putna):
FAQ: Visiting Putna Monastery
1. Where is Putna Monastery located?
It is situated in the northern part of Romania, in Bukovina (Suceava County), approximately 33 km north of the town of Rădăuți, near the border with Ukraine.
2. Who is buried at Putna Monastery?
Putna is the burial place of its founder, Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare), one of Romania's most revered historical figures. You can also find the tombs of Maria of Mangup (his second wife), Maria Voichița (his third wife), and several of his descendants.
3. Is there a dress code for visiting?
Yes. As Putna is an active monastery, visitors are expected to dress modestly. Women should wear skirts that cover the knees and have their shoulders covered, and men should wear long trousers. If you are not dressed appropriately, the monastery usually provides wraps at the entrance.
4. What can I see in the Monastery Museum?
The museum is world-renowned for its collection of 15th-century medieval embroideries, religious objects made of precious metals, and rare manuscripts. It is considered one of the most important medieval museums in the Balkans.
5. Can I take photos inside the church?
Photography is usually allowed in the courtyard and outside the buildings. However, taking photos or filming inside the church is generally prohibited or requires a special permit, out of respect for the religious services and the sacred space.
6. Can I visit Daniel the Hermit's cell from here?
Yes, Daniel the Hermit's Cell (Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul) is located just about 1 km away from the monastery. It is an easy walk or a 2-minute drive and is definitely worth seeing as part of your visit to Putna.