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More and more Western travelers are discovering Romania’s
great natural beauty and rich artistic legacy. One place
to experience both is in Bucovina, set amid dramatic
mountain scenery in the northeastern part of the country.
The region is home to a number of 15th century painted
monasteries, richly decorated with frescos depicting
biblical scenes and religious themes. UNESCO has cited
the monasteries for their “artistic, spiritual
and cultural value”; the best known, Voronet,
is called the “Sistine Chapel of the East.”
Another UNESCO World heritage Site, the medieval citadel
of Sighisoara in Transylvania was built by Saxons between
the 12th and 17th centuries. Eleven towers guard the
town’s walls, and intact 16th century Saxon houses
line the narrow cobblestone streets. An enclosed wooden
staircase, the Scholars’ Stairs, rises 175 steps
to the Church on the Hill, notable for its 500 year-old
frescos, beautiful Renaissance pews, and Romanesque
crypt.
While signs of Romania’s centuries-old heritage
are everywhere, one can also take in the work of Constantin
Brancusi, one of modern art’s leading sculptors.
At Targu Jui, near his home village of Hobita, elegant
abstract pieces, including “The Endless Column,”
“The Gate of the Kiss,” “The Table
of Silence,” and “The Alley of Chairs”
are displayed in an outdoor setting as the artist wished.
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