Among the vast lands of Bucovina, northeastern Romania, the
Voroneț Monastery is a reminder of the country’s cultural and religious
development. The building of the monastery is often called this because of its
bright and attractive paintings on the outside walls. This remarkable edifice
has fascinated historians, art aficionados and pilgrims for many centuries and
hence, it remains one of the greatest highlights of any tourist visiting
Romania.
Present Condition
The Voroneț Monastery was established in 1488 by Stefan the
Great, Štefan țel Mare as the Romanians Dear respectively. Having provided
Stephen with about a dozen victories against turks, the building was erected in
appreciation for Gods assistance in these wars. Completion of the work was
predominantly quick and actively involved and took upwards of three months and
three weeks an impressive ascent in those days.
The temple is consecrated in honor of Saint George, the
defender of fighters, which only emphasizes everlasting understanding of
Stephen the military spirit. Voroneț Monastery has always been a centre of cult
and symbol of the Romanian Orthodox Church and its people. Over the years,
despite the change of power and other factors, religious activities still bear
the same immeasurable importance and so the place attracts worshippers and
faithful.
Architectural Significance Voroneț Monastery flaunts a
distinct architectural style that combines elements of Gothic and Byzantine
architecture. The church measures relatively smaller in size but in terms of
complexity and details, it is a true representation of an architectural marvel
of the middle ages. The outer surfaces of the walls are richly painted with
flamboyant images illustrating scenes of the Bible and the lives of saints, the
colors of which to this day are well preserved in an incredible manner.
Also, the inside of the church is very elaborate with a
nave, a pronaos (protective colonnade) and an altar. A screen on which are
affixed the religious images, which is known as iconostasis, separates the two
main portions of the church, contributing to the sanctity of the place. This
structure is a fusion of the stone-brick-wood construction and these were the
real masters of construction of that period and this construction indeed speaks
volumes about the artistry of the builders.
The last are the well Known
Voroneț Monastery is known for its most famous attraction,
the frescoes. They were done in so called Petru Rareș times, Stephen The
Great’s son, and they are a wonder in so many folds, colors and
representations. This most well known picture is the “Last Judgment” that takes
the whole western side of the church enclosure.
It is quite impossible for an ordinary human to use so
proficient words like an icy prohibition. Сhrist is placed in the middle
judgment and around Him are angels, saints and overshadowing apostles in the
fresco – Last Judgment. Three scenes are depicted, one of soul weighing, second
portait the resurrection of the dead and third the separation of the righteous
and the wicked. The color enhances the feeling of three-dimensionality and
action: the famous Voroneț blue, for instance, makes the scenery and the plot
move.
Of the many works housed in the church, one of the frescos
christened Jesse’s Knitting is iconography depicting Christ family tree. This
advanced and skillfully performed composition is intended to reflect both the
genealogy of Jesus and serves as a bridge between the times of the Old and New
Testaments. Those small details and the faces with live emotions attract
attention to the artists’ talent and genius who created the paintings.
The Voroneț Blue Colour
One of the outstanding features of the Voroneț frescoes is
the bright blue color appearing in rather a number of fresco scenes. This
color, dubbed forensic blue, has captured the attention of both art historians
and scientists. The precise chemical formulation of this pigment remains an
enigma, although it is suspected it includes a mixture of natural minerals and
lapis lazuli. Due to the brightness and fortitude of the blue color, these
masterpieces have survived over five centuries with little alteration while
weathering the forces of nature and time.
Cultural and Spiritual Value
Voroneț Monastery presents not only an architectural and
artistic achievement but a live embodiment of the Romanian culture and
spirituality as well. The monastery has been extremely important for the
survival of the Romanian Orthodox Church, particularly during foreign
domination and hostile regimes. It is a monument of hope and consistency, and
it reflects the spirit of the Romanian nation within itself.
The monastery is also a UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed
on the list of monuments of importance for mankind. This status has made it
possible to protect and to improve the site, allowing coming generations to be
amazed by it.
Visiting Voroneț Monastery
Anyone looking to take a trip to Voroneț Monastery will
receive an abundance of undiluted satisfaction. As is typical of the region of
Bucovina, one can admire the views of beautiful rolling hills, forests and
quaint villages. The monastery, in the vicinity of Gura Humorului dystric, is
beneficially situate and is considered as the entry point to the region.
The church and its frescoes at Voroneț Monastery appreciate
a knowledgeable visitors as regards the culture and history of the Romanian
people. In addition, the complex of the monastery, which is a part of the tour
provides a museum which contains many useful religious objects, manuscripts and
other artifacts increasing the knowledge on the importance of the site.
In such a case, all involved must bear in mind the
monastery's code of conduct and the holiness of the place. Guests are expected
to observe a few basic yet important rules: one cannot wear provocative
clothing, and inside the church photography is usually prohibited in order to
preserve the fresco decoration. However, it is possible to embark on a definite
chronicle in the form of guided tours which are essential after seeing the
place as they explain many historical, spiritual, and artistic details
surrounding the wavelength of the monastery.
Conclusion
Voroneț Monastery is the jewel of the Romanian heritage,
containing glimpses of the glorious past of the country in every detail. The
incredible wall paintings, with a dominant "Last Judgement" scene,
and peculiar blue color make it special among surviving painted churches of
Bucovina. The Voroneț Monastery is the heart of the culture and religious
beliefs of Romania and must be visited whether one is interested in history,
art or spirituality.
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