Cluj Napoca
După micul dejun
The starting point of the journey is Piatra Neamț, a quiet city surrounded by mountains, set in a unique natural landscape. If you want to energize yourself with a good coffee first, head to Vintage Cafe & Tea.
The municipality is a cradle of millennia-old history, which you can discover by visiting the Royal Court, a complex of historical buildings located right in the heart of the city. The architectural ensemble includes the Church of “Saint John the Theologian,” the Bell Tower, and the Royal Court Museum. Also in the city center, you can visit a museum space housing unique ceramic objects in the world: the Cucuteni Eneolithic Art Museum. The Tower of Stephen the Great and the Church of “The Birth of Saint John the Baptist” are equally worthy of anyone’s attention, as they are considered emblematic by the locals.
A visit to Piatra Neamț is not complete without a ride on the gondola, which, by the way, is unique in Romania. You might wonder why it is so special. Well, because it is the only one in the country that crosses a city and reaches a mountain massif. In a single ride, you will witness an impressive transition from the panoramic view of the city to the image of the deciduous forest. From the gondola, you will also see Lake Bâtca Doamnei and the Bistrița Valley.
In terms of restaurants, Piatra Neamț is well-equipped, but if I were to recommend a place to try traditional dishes, it would be “Cercul Gospodinelor.” Another option would be “Turnul Berarilor.”
After wandering the streets of the city, make sure to rest properly, because many places are waiting to be visited the next day.
In the early morning, after enjoying your breakfast and savoring a good cup of coffee while soaking in the beauty around you, set off for your next destination. Your first stop today is approximately 50 kilometers away, nestled in a picturesque clearing at the foot of the mountains. This is the Văratec Monastery, the largest convent of nuns in Romania. The place of worship exudes a natural, simple elegance, and its gardens provide a tranquil oasis.
Around 15 kilometers away lies Agapia Monastery, also located in the heart of nature, by the stream that shares its name. This monastery is listed among the historical monuments of the county and comprises eight landmarks: wooden churches, cells, a bell tower, and a memorial museum in the house of the writer Alexandru Vlahuță. This convent of nuns is one of the largest monastic complexes in the country.
Next, make your way to Humulești, about 20 kilometers away, where you should stop to visit Ion Creangă’s House. This memorial house belongs to a Romanian writer known for his humorous tales. The small building consists of two rooms typical of old times, furnished with traditional objects that can now only be found in museums. The yard features the “Ion Creangă” thematic park, where characters from the author’s stories greet visitors. Nearby, you’ll find several restaurants if you want to take a meal break: Hanul Urșilor, Central, and Catering Humulești.
Your next destination, Neamț Fortress, is located in Târgu Neamț, about 3 kilometers away. Perched on a rock atop Dealul Cetății, the fortress’s strategic position has historically made it one of the strongest Moldavian fortresses. At Neamț Fortress, you’ll get to experience how rulers, servants, and even prisoners lived around the year 1500. The site is well-arranged, allowing you to see the rulers’ bedrooms, storage rooms, courtrooms, armory, dungeons, and torture chambers where those who misbehaved served their sentences.
Other proposed sites include Secu Monastery, Sihăstria Monastery, and Neamț Monastery, with the latter two being places of worship for monks.
Finally, your last stop for the day is Gura Humorului, a town in Suceava County. Here, you’ll find two of the most beautiful churches in the region, alongside five others that are valuable UNESCO heritage sites, recognized for their architecture and exterior murals. The first monastery is Voroneț, known as one of the few churches in the area whose appearance has not been significantly altered. Its exterior painting is considered one of the finest from the feudal period, featuring predominant greens and blues that blend religious and folkloric elements. The next monastery, Humor, is another gem of Romanian Orthodoxy, richly adorned with Byzantine frescoes both inside and out.
After such a day of sightseeing, it’s time to relax and enjoy a hearty meal. Some of the best restaurants in Gura Humorului include Lions Restaurant, Best Western, and Atipic.
The exploration of northeastern Romania continues with one of the oldest cities in the country, which was once the capital of the Principality of Moldavia. You’ll need to travel about 40 kilometers to reach Suceava. Once you arrive, don’t miss the Cetatea de Scaun, an impressive fortress from the 14th century. The plateau on which the fortress stands offers a perfect vantage point to admire the Suceava Valley.
Next on your itinerary is the Muzeul Satului Bucovinean, a must-see tourist attraction where you can get acquainted with traditional life, occupations, and crafts from Bucovina.
Continue your journey to Putna Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in Romania. In addition to the church, be sure to visit the monastic museum. While here, you can also see Chilia lui Daniil Sihastru, a hermitage carved into the rock where a hermit once lived, as well as the Sihăstria Putnei Monastery.
If you’ve managed your time well and still have some left, consider making a trip to Sucevița Monastery and Moldovița Monastery, both located about 40 kilometers away. These are also included on the UNESCO heritage list for Bucovina, and since you’ve made the journey this far, it’s worth enjoying their beauty. Both structures showcase a blend of Byzantine and Gothic architectural styles, with their exterior paintings possessing immense artistic value.
This short excursion in this Romanian region concludes in a serene setting, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
