From an architectural standpoint, it's rare for a modern church to be described as anything but modest. The insides are likely tastefully decorated, but for the most part, they're pretty forgettable. But it wasn't always like this. The bland nature of our houses of worship is perhaps part of what makes Romania’s painted monasteries so incredible. UNESCO World Heritage Sites built in the 15th and 16th centuries, thousands of tourists a year make the homage to marvel at their extravagance. If we could spend Sunday mornings in these locales, we'd never have to worry about falling asleep in church ever again.



The Churches Although much of Romania is just as modern as the world you and I live in, there are pockets where people cling to the past. Tucked amidst these rustic villages are the painted monasteries of Bucovina. They also hearken back to a simple time. On the walls of churches that have survived more than 500 winters, floor to ceiling frescoes depict stories from the Bible, scenes from the life of Jesus and details of important Christian figures. One of the best preserved monasteries, Voronet, features a blue paint so unique that its composition and replication remain a mystery even today. Just as Titian is indelibly associated with the color red, “Voronet” has become synonymous with blue. The fact that the artwork is still largely intact and able to be enjoyed by visitors today is impressive as the pieces are centuries old and have been subject to the region’s harsh winds and rain.

It's All About Communication Interestingly enough, these masterpieces, some of the finest examples of Byzantine art the world has ever seen, were a product of people’s inability to read. For illiterate villagers, the art wasn’t about decoration. It was necessary in making the story of the Bible and the saints accessible to all. Don’t be surprised if you hear a loud pounding noise as you step onto the grounds today. If you look around you might see a nun or monk beating a long beam with a mallet. They’re tapping out a traditional call to prayer. Centuries ago, when the Ottoman Empire took over the area, bells were outlawed so the religious community improvised and found different ways to communicate announce their intentions.

