Made by pupils of 3 A B Erica – 2D Relazioni Internazionali Teacher contact : Franca MiserocchiITSC « A.LOPERFIDO »Matera, 30 Mai 2012

PROGETTO COMENIUS MULTILATERALE –EPEITE

Ecole - Patrimoine - Esprit Initiative Touristique - Europe

PROGETTO COMENIUS MULTILATERALE –EPEITE

Ecole - Patrimoine - Esprit Initiative Touristique - Europe

««This project has been founded with the support of the European Commission. This publication and communication reflects only the views of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsable for any use which may be made of the information contained therein».

««This project has been founded with the support of the European Commission. This publication and communication reflects only the views of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsable for any use which may be made of the information contained therein».

Gheorghe Zampir: Memory Gheorghe Zampir: Memory 1

2

The coat of arms of Romania was adopted by the Parliament on

10 september 1992. In the centre it shows an eagle, symbol of

the Latin origins, holding a cross in its beak, the Christianly, and

a mace and a sword in its claws. The blue background represents

the sky. The shield that protects the eagle is divided in five parts,

each one for a Romanian historical region and its traditional

symbol: a golden eagle, Wallachia; an aurochs Moldavia; two

dolphins Dobrogea; a turul, seven castles, a sun and a moon

Transylvania; a lion and a bridge Oltenia and Banat. If you look

at the Romanian coat of arms you understand the country and its

history: pride, determination and courage.

Visiting BUCOVINA you visit the region the most traditional

and most attached to the history.

A LITTL A LITTL A LITTLE GEOGRAPHYA LITTLE GEOGRAPHYA LITTL A LITTL A LITTLE GEOGRAPHYA LITTLE GEOGRAPHY::

3

BUKOVINA, whose name, appears only at the end of 1700, indicates one of the most remote place in

Romania. This province in the north-east, encircled by Moldavia and Ukraine, is known like the “land of

beech forests” and it’s certainly one of the most green areas of this part of Europe where there are wide

valleys and rich rivers that compete with the amazing and famous Swiss landscapes.

But it’s for folklore, art and architecture that this region is worth a visit.

The folklore is the combination of different traditions of the people who lived there in the past and of the

culture of foreign powers which occupied this place that wasn’t associated with Romanians, but also with

Hungarians, Czechs, Poles and Ukrainians, and administrated by Austrian Empire.

Art and architecture, are concentrated in its particular monastery, painted inside and outside. To the

mountains in an absolute peace you can admire, as anywhere in the world, religious buildings that have an

extraordinary pictorial wealth protected by the UNESCO as World heritage .

The monasteries that date from the XV and the XVI century are about a dozen,

and are built by Stephen III of Moldavia (1457-1504) to remember the battles

won and the glorious exploits.

A very rich collection that can be all admired by those that haven’t problems

of time. However you must visit three monasteries.

BUKOVINA, whose name, appears only at the end of 1700, indicates one of the most remote place in

Romania. This province in the north-east, encircled by Moldavia and Ukraine, is known like the “land of

beech forests” and it’s certainly one of the most green areas of this part of Europe where there are wide

valleys and rich rivers that compete with the amazing and famous Swiss landscapes.

But it’s for folklore, art and architecture that this region is worth a visit.

The folklore is the combination of different traditions of the people who lived there in the past and of the

culture of foreign powers which occupied this place that wasn’t associated with Romanians, but also with

Hungarians, Czechs, Poles and Ukrainians, and administrated by Austrian Empire.

Art and architecture, are concentrated in its particular monastery, painted inside and outside. To the

mountains in an absolute peace you can admire, as anywhere in the world, religious buildings that have an

extraordinary pictorial wealth protected by the UNESCO as World heritage .

The monasteries that date from the XV and the XVI century are about a dozen,

and are built by Stephen III of Moldavia (1457-1504) to remember the battles

won and the glorious exploits.

A very rich collection that can be all admired by those that haven’t problems

of time. However you must visit three monasteries.4

1. The monastery of Sucevita, wealthy of Gothic and Byzantine architectonic features and defended by a

massive wall

2. The monastery of Voronet, for the beauty of its paintings, among them “Oriental Sistine Chapel”

3. The monastery of Moldovita Moldovita monastery with painting inside and outside like “Fall of

Constantinople” “Tree of Jesse” , where the principal colour is the yellowBuilt as burial place for wealthy

families the monastery and the churches were after painted.

The artists, no one of them became famous, started to paint biblical scenes and picture of Mary and Jesus

Christ.

At the beginning were painted only

the inner walls of the churches, after

it was decided to paint also the outside

walls and since that moment this became

a custom. This double portrayal had two

aims: spread the Orthodox religion and

give religious education to the peasant

population. In each monastery we can

find the same pictures but every

monastery have a characteristic of colour. The experts talk about Voronet blue, Sucevita green and red,

Moldovita yellow and Humor red.

1. The monastery of Sucevita, wealthy of Gothic and Byzantine architectonic features and defended by a

massive wall

2. The monastery of Voronet, for the beauty of its paintings, among them “Oriental Sistine Chapel”

3. The monastery of Moldovita Moldovita monastery with painting inside and outside like “Fall of

Constantinople” “Tree of Jesse” , where the principal colour is the yellowBuilt as burial place for wealthy

families the monastery and the churches were after painted.

The artists, no one of them became famous, started to paint biblical scenes and picture of Mary and Jesus

Christ.

At the beginning were painted only

the inner walls of the churches, after

it was decided to paint also the outside

walls and since that moment this became

a custom. This double portrayal had two

aims: spread the Orthodox religion and

give religious education to the peasant

population. In each monastery we can

find the same pictures but every

monastery have a characteristic of colour. The experts talk about Voronet blue, Sucevita green and red,

Moldovita yellow and Humor red.

5

So let’s start our travel from the Voronet Monastery,

one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in Europe,

called “Oriental Sistine Chapel” because its frescos are

very important and famous in European art. The current

stone church dates back to 1488.It replaced a previous one

made of wood, that was built by Stefan the Great’s willing

to thank after a victory against the Turks. The church,

which is consacrated to Saint George, is really beautiful and represents an original mixture of Byzantine,

Gothic and local architectonic features. The inner is frescoed and the blue is the main colour, but is the

outside that dulls with its

chromatic wealth like Voronet blue, as famous in art as the “red” of Tiziano or as the “green” of

Veronese. The usual holy themes are the real and simple why to understand catechism for the

population, and it is here that “The last judgement”, painted on the outside of all the churches in

Bucovina, which reach the top of beauty.

6

It’s grandiose, it covers the whole

western front, and it’s wealth of

characters and meanings. You

will be enchanted in front of such

splendour and you will imagine

those artists’ effort to get those

colours: the yellow from the

saffron, the light blue from the

lapislazulis, the red from the trees

of madder; you will imagine the

alchemy that they needed to obtain the shades, the precision and the quickness to paint all pictures

without the possibility of rethinking…

The colours beauty, the precision of the technique help you to understand the eschatology mystery that

those artists had represented in a good way.

You can only be dazzled in the presence of such splendour.

7

Sucevita Monastery

Our journey continues through woods and fields and

leads into a lovely green valley where stands the

monastery of Sucevita: you Cannnot help caught

bbeing an indescribable feeling ... a myriad of

characters and situations, and biblical stories of saints,

a fantastic glance, all the walls "talk" to tell of a faith

rooted in the need for transcendence that every man

feels at any latitude and longitude ... the signs are clear,

well marked, the colors still vivid, despite the

inevitable weathering of nearly five centuries.

The Monastery of Sucevita is considered "the will

Moldavian art" and is also the largest of the

painted monasteries of Bucovina, surrounded by

massive walls with guard towers at the four corners. 8

Among the frescoes of the church, all very well

preserved, what stands out is the representation of

the Ladder of Virtues in which virtuous are supported by

angels while the damned rush into the arms of a devil

laughing in a symbolic struggle between good and evil

and on the south wall appears the Tree of Life. Tourists

surprised by so much beauty and figurative color while

standing wander from one drawing to another,

discovering special effects, standing on the representation

afther Akathist Hymn to the Virgin.

Lower down, there is the Siege of Constantinople and the

procession of prophets It seems to see paraded before our

eyes, so great is the skill with which were also represented

by several complete revolutions around the church

dedicated to the Resurrection.

Among the frescoes of the church, all very well

preserved, what stands out is the representation of

the Ladder of Virtues in which virtuous are supported by

angels while the damned rush into the arms of a devil

laughing in a symbolic struggle between good and evil

and on the south wall appears the Tree of Life. Tourists

surprised by so much beauty and figurative color while

standing wander from one drawing to another,

discovering special effects, standing on the representation

afther Akathist Hymn to the Virgin.

Lower down, there is the Siege of Constantinople and the

procession of prophets It seems to see paraded before our

eyes, so great is the skill with which were also represented

by several complete revolutions around the church

dedicated to the Resurrection.

9

The Monastery of Sucevita

Sucevita Monastery is the burial place of the

family of Movila. The monastery's museum is

of great value and displays among other

things, certain pieces of embroidery made of

gold and silver, silk and pearls dating from

the fifteenth or sixteenth century. Most

important are the portraits of Ieremia and Simion Movila

embroidered with pearls and an epitaph. Sucevita

Monastery is one of five monasteries that have received

the Golden Apple Award by the International Journalists

for historical value.

The Monastery of Sucevita

Sucevita Monastery is the burial place of the

family of Movila. The monastery's museum is

of great value and displays among other

things, certain pieces of embroidery made of

gold and silver, silk and pearls dating from

the fifteenth or sixteenth century. Most

important are the portraits of Ieremia and Simion Movila

embroidered with pearls and an epitaph. Sucevita

Monastery is one of five monasteries that have received

the Golden Apple Award by the International Journalists

for historical value.

10

The Monastery of Moldovita The Monastery of Moldovita

Moldovita Monastery was built between

1402 and 1410 by Alexander the Good.

Collapsed because of a landslide in the

early sixteenth century the monastery

was rebuilt in 1532 by the ruler Petru

Rares that has surrounded it with turrets

and high walls of protection. The present

abbey church was rebuilt in 1532 and has

been dedicated to the Annunciation,

outside two apses. A detail that makes it

unique is that next to the saints in the frescoes of classical culture characters as Pythagoras and Sophocles

are represented, and, also, the frescoes are characterized by a dominant shade from red to yellow-ocher ...

The Moldovita Monastery, as well as that of Sucevita has a valuable museum which proudly displays the

Golden Apple, a prize presented by the International Association of Journalists in all five Moldavian

monasteries in recognition of artistic and cultural value of the frescoes on external walls.

Do not forget also to visit the museum, housed in Clisarnita, voivodale residence built in 1612, which

contains the carved throne of the voivode and precious manuscripts

Moldovita Monastery was built between

1402 and 1410 by Alexander the Good.

Collapsed because of a landslide in the

early sixteenth century the monastery

was rebuilt in 1532 by the ruler Petru

Rares that has surrounded it with turrets

and high walls of protection. The present

abbey church was rebuilt in 1532 and has

been dedicated to the Annunciation,

outside two apses. A detail that makes it

unique is that next to the saints in the frescoes of classical culture characters as Pythagoras and Sophocles

are represented, and, also, the frescoes are characterized by a dominant shade from red to yellow-ocher ...

The Moldovita Monastery, as well as that of Sucevita has a valuable museum which proudly displays the

Golden Apple, a prize presented by the International Association of Journalists in all five Moldavian

monasteries in recognition of artistic and cultural value of the frescoes on external walls.

Do not forget also to visit the museum, housed in Clisarnita, voivodale residence built in 1612, which

contains the carved throne of the voivode and precious manuscripts11

Do not forget also to visit the museum, housed in Clisarnita, voivodale residence

built in 1612, which contains the carved throne of the voivode and precious

manuscripts. Finally we visit the nearby studio of ceramic black Marginea. The

archaeological finds of pottery dating back, already, at the Bronze Age. Today's

ceramics Marginea are reproduced by hand in a local laboratory. The geographical position of Marginea,

surrounded by forests, crossed by the river Sucevita and its clayed land are the main conditions for the artistic

creation of this product. Clay. fire and water combine to create a unique and magical product that managed to

survive despite the political problems it has encountered. In fact, before the Communist regime in Marginea

there were about 60 families who worked the clay. But during the communist regime the possession of a

lathe was a crime, so many potters have given up this art and have continued to work in secret.

Only later, the communists tried to renew this tradition. Having destroyed the lathes for the creation of these

products it was not easy to revive this tradition since the Era of the

Dacians, who used the jars for food storage. The decor traditional

techniques and the forms are manifold: the high pot, the pot with

two ears, bowls of various sizes etc. .. However, the artisans, unable

to profit from this useful activity, are disappearing. And to finish

our dive in the past, why not visit a house where you will see

Romanian inside a typical house that still preserves the Bukovina

customs and traditions of the past.

Getting there

To be able to run all the major monasteries a nice idea is to join a guided tour that starts from the main

centers, such as Suceava or Gura Humorului. Public transport does not allow to reach all sites. We

recommend an even better solution: organize a course in your rental car, so you can also visit the

villages more distant from the traditional routes of the region in this case you can go directly to

Bucharest by plane (flights from Italy Alitalia, Tarom, Windjet, Blue Air, Wizz, Meridiana, easyJet, On

Air) or Cluj (Wizz, Blue Air) and from there travel by car to the north. A convenient alternative, which

provides, however, a stop in Timisoara, the Austrian Airlines offers direct flights to Suceava.

Accomodation

The phrase «chez l’habitant» is an enriching experience,

definitely, that allows you not only to know the area but

also to share the people daily life. Many farm houses offer

a limited number of rooms, but all equipped in the

traditional style of the region, all renewed, adapted to

receive guests and you can also opt to participate to

agricultural work as you can enjoy the real traditional

life of local people. So, a must is a night in the farm.

Getting there

To be able to run all the major monasteries a nice idea is to join a guided tour that starts from the main

centers, such as Suceava or Gura Humorului. Public transport does not allow to reach all sites. We

recommend an even better solution: organize a course in your rental car, so you can also visit the

villages more distant from the traditional routes of the region in this case you can go directly to

Bucharest by plane (flights from Italy Alitalia, Tarom, Windjet, Blue Air, Wizz, Meridiana, easyJet, On

Air) or Cluj (Wizz, Blue Air) and from there travel by car to the north. A convenient alternative, which

provides, however, a stop in Timisoara, the Austrian Airlines offers direct flights to Suceava.

Accomodation

The phrase «chez l’habitant» is an enriching experience,

definitely, that allows you not only to know the area but

also to share the people daily life. Many farm houses offer

a limited number of rooms, but all equipped in the

traditional style of the region, all renewed, adapted to

receive guests and you can also opt to participate to

agricultural work as you can enjoy the real traditional

life of local people. So, a must is a night in the farm. 13

It is one of the remotest corners (coins perdus) of Romania, It is located

in the northeast of the country, set between Ukraine and Moldova, of

which it was the capital from 1388 until 1565. It 'a great starting point

for visiting the many historical, cultural, and natural attractions and the

several painted monasteries of the whole region. The attractions for a

comfortable visit to the charming Rumanian town are miscellaneous.

We can mention the Santa Croce church, San Simon and the church of

San Giorgio which is a World Heritage Site. The St. George church hosts the relics of St. John the Nou

which are placed in a silver case, richly decorated with scenes from the saint's life. The exceptional

exterior paintings of the church, showing scenes from the Old and New Testament, was completed in

1534 a very important period for the glorious era of religious murals.

It is one of the remotest corners (coins perdus) of Romania, It is located

in the northeast of the country, set between Ukraine and Moldova, of

which it was the capital from 1388 until 1565. It 'a great starting point

for visiting the many historical, cultural, and natural attractions and the

several painted monasteries of the whole region. The attractions for a

comfortable visit to the charming Rumanian town are miscellaneous.

We can mention the Santa Croce church, San Simon and the church of

San Giorgio which is a World Heritage Site. The St. George church hosts the relics of St. John the Nou

which are placed in a silver case, richly decorated with scenes from the saint's life. The exceptional

exterior paintings of the church, showing scenes from the Old and New Testament, was completed in

1534 a very important period for the glorious era of religious murals.

14

Piata 22 Decembrie

Represents the center of the city, this square is overlook interesting

buildings, such as the House of Culture"

A PRINCELY INN

The city also boasts a princely court built in the late 14 th century

whose fortress was extended and strengthened to hold off the invaders

Ottoman Turks. Stephen the Great has made add the moat, the high defensive walls and towers that

allowed it to resist up to 1675 when it was blown up by the Turks. Today, visitors can visit the ruins of

massive fortifications and enjoy a wonderful view over the city.

The Village Museum of Bukovina (Muzeul Satului Bucovinean) is located nearby the royal court, this

open air museum is a collection of 80 buildings representing the history and design of rural architecture

of Bukovina, including a small church of the 18th century from Vama and a typical mill of Gura

Humorului.

Piata 22 Decembrie

Represents the center of the city, this square is overlook interesting

buildings, such as the House of Culture"

A PRINCELY INN

The city also boasts a princely court built in the late 14 th century

whose fortress was extended and strengthened to hold off the invaders

Ottoman Turks. Stephen the Great has made add the moat, the high defensive walls and towers that

allowed it to resist up to 1675 when it was blown up by the Turks. Today, visitors can visit the ruins of

massive fortifications and enjoy a wonderful view over the city.

The Village Museum of Bukovina (Muzeul Satului Bucovinean) is located nearby the royal court, this

open air museum is a collection of 80 buildings representing the history and design of rural architecture

of Bukovina, including a small church of the 18th century from Vama and a typical mill of Gura

Humorului.

To visit:To visit:

15

The Bucovina Ethnographic Museum offers a complete

collection of folk and traditional costumes, it is located in the

inn of kings (Hanul Domnesc) and it’s one of the oldest

buildings in Suceava characterized by thick stone walls and

vaulted ceilings dating the late XVI century. The inn has

long served as a popular meeting place for the nobles who

were returning from which hunting in the dense forests of

Suceava, from this takes its name.

The History Museum of Bukovina, shows the medieval

armor, coins, arms, tools and ancient documents. The throne

room is a reconstruction of Stephen the Great court with

furniture, weapons and costumes.

The Bucovina Ethnographic Museum offers a complete

collection of folk and traditional costumes, it is located in the

inn of kings (Hanul Domnesc) and it’s one of the oldest

buildings in Suceava characterized by thick stone walls and

vaulted ceilings dating the late XVI century. The inn has

long served as a popular meeting place for the nobles who

were returning from which hunting in the dense forests of

Suceava, from this takes its name.

The History Museum of Bukovina, shows the medieval

armor, coins, arms, tools and ancient documents. The throne

room is a reconstruction of Stephen the Great court with

furniture, weapons and costumes.

It’s dedicated to the knowledge of woods, forest, ethnography, history and folk art of the region. You can

visit the unusual museum of wooden spoon nearby the town, and the museum of carving on wood.

It’s dedicated to the knowledge of woods, forest, ethnography, history and folk art of the region. You can

visit the unusual museum of wooden spoon nearby the town, and the museum of carving on wood.

16

City known as the "Rome" in Romania, because of the beauty and harmony of its seven hills on which it

stands, Iaşi is the main center of Moldavia, with more than 300,000 inhabitants. The whole district has

always given rise to a variety of educational, scientific and cultural activities so that this area is called

the Museum of Romania where there is also the oldest university in the country. In the town there are

also 5 public and 3 private universities, seating in the all university center about 60,000 students. There

are more than 50 churches and cultural British, French, German, Greek, Latin, American & Caribbean

centers and the cultural life turns around the National Theatre (the oldest one in Romania), the Opera

House, the State Philharmonic , the Botanical Garden (the oldest and largest one in Romania), the

Central University Library (the oldest one in Romania).

City known as the "Rome" in Romania, because of the beauty and harmony of its seven hills on which it

stands, Iaşi is the main center of Moldavia, with more than 300,000 inhabitants. The whole district has

always given rise to a variety of educational, scientific and cultural activities so that this area is called

the Museum of Romania where there is also the oldest university in the country. In the town there are

also 5 public and 3 private universities, seating in the all university center about 60,000 students. There

are more than 50 churches and cultural British, French, German, Greek, Latin, American & Caribbean

centers and the cultural life turns around the National Theatre (the oldest one in Romania), the Opera

House, the State Philharmonic , the Botanical Garden (the oldest and largest one in Romania), the

Central University Library (the oldest one in Romania).

The Opera House The Opera House

17

MUSEUMSMUSEUMS

The many museums in Iasi are often set in buildings which are very

interesting from the point of view of art and architecture such as the

flamboyant Gothic "Palace of Culture" (true symbol of the cultural

vitality of the city) which houses four museums and a library. In

designing this building, the architect, Ion Berindei, who has

attended the best faculties of Paris, has modeled on the town hall

of the French capital. Symbol of the city, this huge building now houses:

The History Museum, where you can admire the painted pottery of the

Cucuteni civilization (3500-3000 BC);

The Ethnographic Museum which combine a collection of tools that tell the Moldovan trades such

pastoral life, and manufacture of iron objects, fishing, textiles, pottery, etc..

The Museum Techniques which shows collection of musical equipment;

The Museum of Arts, which presents Romanians artists such as Nicolae Grigorescu, Octav Bancila,

Camil Ressu or Gheorghe Vânâtoru.

The many museums in Iasi are often set in buildings which are very

interesting from the point of view of art and architecture such as the

flamboyant Gothic "Palace of Culture" (true symbol of the cultural

vitality of the city) which houses four museums and a library. In

designing this building, the architect, Ion Berindei, who has

attended the best faculties of Paris, has modeled on the town hall

of the French capital. Symbol of the city, this huge building now houses:

The History Museum, where you can admire the painted pottery of the

Cucuteni civilization (3500-3000 BC);

The Ethnographic Museum which combine a collection of tools that tell the Moldovan trades such

pastoral life, and manufacture of iron objects, fishing, textiles, pottery, etc..

The Museum Techniques which shows collection of musical equipment;

The Museum of Arts, which presents Romanians artists such as Nicolae Grigorescu, Octav Bancila,

Camil Ressu or Gheorghe Vânâtoru.

18

In the square Eminescu, in the period between the first and second World War, the Royal Cultural

Foundation building was constructed; now it houses the Central University Library which has about

3 million books of which some very rare, dedicated to the greatest Rumanian poet Mihai Eminescu

who lived there for some years of his life. The cathedral Trei Ierarhi dedicated to the three leaders

of the Church (St. Basil of Caesarea, St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Miracle Worker),

example of Orthodox building, built in the classic scheme of Moldavian tradition, with a clover-

shaped plant was built in 1635-39 by Prince Vasile Lupu. The outside decoration consists in a

spectacular lace carved in stone, the result of a mixture of elements from various sources: The

interior was designed by the French André Lecomte de Nouy, who at the end of the nineteenth

century, deleted the paintings and covered the “room” with gilded decorations, mixing traditional

designs with the Art Nouveau style. In this church there are the graves of three great figures of

Moldova’s history: Vasile Lupu, church founder, Dimitrie Cantemir, voivode and scholar, and

Alexandru Ioan Cuza, politician and leader of the revolution of 1848.

In the square Eminescu, in the period between the first and second World War, the Royal Cultural

Foundation building was constructed; now it houses the Central University Library which has about

3 million books of which some very rare, dedicated to the greatest Rumanian poet Mihai Eminescu

who lived there for some years of his life. The cathedral Trei Ierarhi dedicated to the three leaders

of the Church (St. Basil of Caesarea, St. John Chrysostom and St. Gregory the Miracle Worker),

example of Orthodox building, built in the classic scheme of Moldavian tradition, with a clover-

shaped plant was built in 1635-39 by Prince Vasile Lupu. The outside decoration consists in a

spectacular lace carved in stone, the result of a mixture of elements from various sources: The

interior was designed by the French André Lecomte de Nouy, who at the end of the nineteenth

century, deleted the paintings and covered the “room” with gilded decorations, mixing traditional

designs with the Art Nouveau style. In this church there are the graves of three great figures of

Moldova’s history: Vasile Lupu, church founder, Dimitrie Cantemir, voivode and scholar, and

Alexandru Ioan Cuza, politician and leader of the revolution of 1848.

19

PLACES TO VISIT:

Piata Unirii

The Union Square, reserved to foot traffic, is the main town square, a walk would let you admire the

aesthetics of the building which houses the Hotel Traian, dating back to 1882. At the center of the square

stands the monument to Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza. In the square there are is also the Theatre Museum

and in a short distance you can visit the Natural History Museum..

Equestrian Statue of Stephen the Great

Stephen the Great-Stefan Cel Mare-famous Romanian captain and fearless defender

of the Moldovan border dominates, with its statue, the center of the great Culture

Square. The imposing Palace of Culture is impressive for its size. Inside it you will

find the National Complexul muzeal Moldova, composed of four museums: history,

science and technology, art and ethnography museum. The palace, built in the period

1906-1925, is the creation of the architect ID Berindei. The building is located,

partially, on the ruins of a medieval court, whose foundations were partly used for

the Royal Palace, built in 1812. The most popular room is the Hall of the Princes of

the palace on the upper floor. It takes its name from the hall-gallery of portraits of rulers and kings of

Moldova. The famous palace also has a clock with chimes located in the central tower of the building. The

eight bells in the tower play the all day the Horites Union chords and the national anthem of 1859.

PLACES TO VISIT:

Piata Unirii

The Union Square, reserved to foot traffic, is the main town square, a walk would let you admire the

aesthetics of the building which houses the Hotel Traian, dating back to 1882. At the center of the square

stands the monument to Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza. In the square there are is also the Theatre Museum

and in a short distance you can visit the Natural History Museum..

Equestrian Statue of Stephen the Great

Stephen the Great-Stefan Cel Mare-famous Romanian captain and fearless defender

of the Moldovan border dominates, with its statue, the center of the great Culture

Square. The imposing Palace of Culture is impressive for its size. Inside it you will

find the National Complexul muzeal Moldova, composed of four museums: history,

science and technology, art and ethnography museum. The palace, built in the period

1906-1925, is the creation of the architect ID Berindei. The building is located,

partially, on the ruins of a medieval court, whose foundations were partly used for

the Royal Palace, built in 1812. The most popular room is the Hall of the Princes of

the palace on the upper floor. It takes its name from the hall-gallery of portraits of rulers and kings of

Moldova. The famous palace also has a clock with chimes located in the central tower of the building. The

eight bells in the tower play the all day the Horites Union chords and the national anthem of 1859. 20

GRADINA COPOU

It’s a public park of about 80 acres located on the homonymous hill where there is also the largest

botanical garden founded in Romania in 1856. We suggest you to visit two halls: the greenhouses with

tropical plants, cactus, orchids and carnivorous plants and a rose garden, where they presented more than

800 varieties of roses from around the world. It’s a unique collection in Romania and it is recognized by

the Federation "The World Federation of Rose Societies".

The Visitor, at the end of this excursion, feels satisfied not only for the diversity of shapes colors and

fragrances but also for the impressive

panorama of the various species grown

here.

Located in the middle of the Copou

garden, linden "Mihai Eminescu",whose

plant has become the symbol of Iasi,

deserves a visit. A place of pilgrimage

for the most romantic.

GRADINA COPOU

It’s a public park of about 80 acres located on the homonymous hill where there is also the largest

botanical garden founded in Romania in 1856. We suggest you to visit two halls: the greenhouses with

tropical plants, cactus, orchids and carnivorous plants and a rose garden, where they presented more than

800 varieties of roses from around the world. It’s a unique collection in Romania and it is recognized by

the Federation "The World Federation of Rose Societies".

The Visitor, at the end of this excursion, feels satisfied not only for the diversity of shapes colors and

fragrances but also for the impressive

panorama of the various species grown

here.

Located in the middle of the Copou

garden, linden "Mihai Eminescu",whose

plant has become the symbol of Iasi,

deserves a visit. A place of pilgrimage

for the most romantic.

21

22

The palace, built in the period 1906-1925, is the creation of the architect ID Berindei. The building is

located, partially, on the ruins of a medieval court, whose foundations were partly used for the Royal

Palace, built in 1812. The most popular room is the Hall of the Princes of the palace on the upper floor. It

takes its name from the hall-gallery of portraits of rulers and kings of Moldova. The famous palace also

has a clock with chimes located in the central tower of the building. The eight bells in the tower play the

all day the Horites Union chords and the national anthem of 1859.

The palace, built in the period 1906-1925, is the creation of the architect ID Berindei. The building is

located, partially, on the ruins of a medieval court, whose foundations were partly used for the Royal

Palace, built in 1812. The most popular room is the Hall of the Princes of the palace on the upper floor. It

takes its name from the hall-gallery of portraits of rulers and kings of Moldova. The famous palace also

has a clock with chimes located in the central tower of the building. The eight bells in the tower play the

all day the Horites Union chords and the national anthem of 1859.

The palace of cultureThe palace of culture

23

The Rumanian national cuisine belongs to the Balkan tradition It

loves the spices and the bitter-sweet. The produced of the earth are

cooked in simple way and it doesn't mind the presentation of the

dishes wich maintain a rather rustic aspect as the delicious soup of

vegetables called ciorba. The first dishes consumed in the whole

country equal to our soups. But how can we explain the delicious t

aste of simple carrots and potatoes. To know it, it is enough to cross the

landscapes of Transylvania where agriculture is manually practiced and without the use of chemical

fertilizers. One of popular the specialties and national dish of Rumanian is the “MĂMĂLIGA”, a pie

of corn that resembles a lot to “the polenta” and it serves accompanying a lot of dishes and you eat it

with the gilded onions in frying pan, with the eggs and fresh cheese.

The Rumanian national cuisine belongs to the Balkan tradition It

loves the spices and the bitter-sweet. The produced of the earth are

cooked in simple way and it doesn't mind the presentation of the

dishes wich maintain a rather rustic aspect as the delicious soup of

vegetables called ciorba. The first dishes consumed in the whole

country equal to our soups. But how can we explain the delicious t

aste of simple carrots and potatoes. To know it, it is enough to cross the

landscapes of Transylvania where agriculture is manually practiced and without the use of chemical

fertilizers. One of popular the specialties and national dish of Rumanian is the “MĂMĂLIGA”, a pie

of corn that resembles a lot to “the polenta” and it serves accompanying a lot of dishes and you eat it

with the gilded onions in frying pan, with the eggs and fresh cheese.

24

The Wallachia cuisine

Each Rumanian region, however, has its own specialties.

The Wallachia cuisine holds many tasty surprises for us. In

fact, for historical and cultural reasons, it was born thanks

to an excellent combination of Romanian, German and

Hungarian flavors. Wallachia is famous for beans stewed

chicken soup, baked mackerels, plum dishes, spezzatini, ground meat and the saraili, a puff pastry with

walnuts and honey. The musacá (pork chops meat spiced with garlic and chili), sausages are the symbol

of Oltenia and appetizers, called gustari, which are particularly delicious, include the de vinete tocate

Salata (eggplant flame), other traditional dishes are stuffed carp with vegetables, smoked ham and beans.

The Wallachia cuisine

Each Rumanian region, however, has its own specialties.

The Wallachia cuisine holds many tasty surprises for us. In

fact, for historical and cultural reasons, it was born thanks

to an excellent combination of Romanian, German and

Hungarian flavors. Wallachia is famous for beans stewed

chicken soup, baked mackerels, plum dishes, spezzatini, ground meat and the saraili, a puff pastry with

walnuts and honey. The musacá (pork chops meat spiced with garlic and chili), sausages are the symbol

of Oltenia and appetizers, called gustari, which are particularly delicious, include the de vinete tocate

Salata (eggplant flame), other traditional dishes are stuffed carp with vegetables, smoked ham and beans.

Sarmale Sarmale

Mititei Mititei

MusacáMusacá

25

You can't miss the bacon boiled in brine, smoked pork ribs, smoked

cheese, spicy sausages, sauerkraut "in Cluj", spicy pork fillet and goulash.

Meals are usually accompanied by ŢUICĂ, a triple distillation of fruit

served as an aperitif to "open the stomach" to begin a meal with the

characteristic toast. It has special flavors, fruity and velvety, heated on

high flame and mixed with sugar and black pepper it’s a really unique

drink.

You can't miss the bacon boiled in brine, smoked pork ribs, smoked

cheese, spicy sausages, sauerkraut "in Cluj", spicy pork fillet and goulash.

Meals are usually accompanied by ŢUICĂ, a triple distillation of fruit

served as an aperitif to "open the stomach" to begin a meal with the

characteristic toast. It has special flavors, fruity and velvety, heated on

high flame and mixed with sugar and black pepper it’s a really unique

drink.PASCAPASCA

And as for dessert, you have a

wide choice: if you manage to

finish a meal and feel the

desire to eat. Remember

indeed that the portions that

will be served will be more

than abundant

And as for dessert, you have a

wide choice: if you manage to

finish a meal and feel the

desire to eat. Remember

indeed that the portions that

will be served will be more

than abundant

PAPANASIPAPANASI

COZONACCOZONAC26

27

What about wine!? Good and cheap!! The country has extensive

vineyards located in the areas most varied and is among the top 10

world producers of wine, appreciated by experts. The favorable

climate conditions and the ideals and myths of some areas make

Wallachia, a manufacturer of light wines and dry, reds and whites,

like Sauvignon Blanc, Feteasca Alba o Neagra, Merlot, Cabernet,

all French import vines that are enriched by the local flavors of

flowers, herbs and roots of various plants or trees.

Did you know that in Cricova there is the largest winery in the world where travelers can walk the streets

of a real underground city of wine. The total length of underground roads is more than 100 km. Good,

excellent, the beer, a complete surprise: Romanians are large consumers and Craiova has a great tradition

and it is here that the HEINNEKEN has a production site. A bit of etiquette. At table don't feel obligated to

clean your plate: you may pretend that you're still hungry, same carefulness to your glass, if it is empty,

fill it now! At the end of the meal it is a truly chivalry to

compliment the hostess with a very nice formula: "Sãrut

mana pentru masa" ("I kiss your hands for this meal"). Which

will be answered: what is good for you ....!your hands for this

meal"). Which will be answered: that is good for you ....!

What about wine!? Good and cheap!! The country has extensive

vineyards located in the areas most varied and is among the top 10

world producers of wine, appreciated by experts. The favorable

climate conditions and the ideals and myths of some areas make

Wallachia, a manufacturer of light wines and dry, reds and whites,

like Sauvignon Blanc, Feteasca Alba o Neagra, Merlot, Cabernet,

all French import vines that are enriched by the local flavors of

flowers, herbs and roots of various plants or trees.

Did you know that in Cricova there is the largest winery in the world where travelers can walk the streets

of a real underground city of wine. The total length of underground roads is more than 100 km. Good,

excellent, the beer, a complete surprise: Romanians are large consumers and Craiova has a great tradition

and it is here that the HEINNEKEN has a production site. A bit of etiquette. At table don't feel obligated to

clean your plate: you may pretend that you're still hungry, same carefulness to your glass, if it is empty,

fill it now! At the end of the meal it is a truly chivalry to

compliment the hostess with a very nice formula: "Sãrut

mana pentru masa" ("I kiss your hands for this meal"). Which

will be answered: what is good for you ....!your hands for this

meal"). Which will be answered: that is good for you ....!

The cultural panorama of Romania doesn't end here. in fact, we

can't forget the folklore Romania has a style of life that, in the

West Countries, it is lost more than one century ago and that

constitutes a fascinating contrast with the other territories where

there is an international tourism. In fact, the Rumanian folklore is

probably the most original and traditional of the whole Europe. The music, the folk dances and the

traditional choreographies are well known abroad . The folklore is a moment of meeting, of sharing of

emotions, of problems, of common feelings. The folklore is the soul of every country and in Romania

these feelings don't miss. Songs and popular dances such as the '' doini" of the "haidouk '', the '' hora '', the

'' braul '', the '' calusari '', performed with violins,

accordions, clarinets, harmonic and flutes (di Pan), are

the expression of the beliefs and the legends of the old

Rumanian folklore.

The cultural panorama of Romania doesn't end here. in fact, we

can't forget the folklore Romania has a style of life that, in the

West Countries, it is lost more than one century ago and that

constitutes a fascinating contrast with the other territories where

there is an international tourism. In fact, the Rumanian folklore is

probably the most original and traditional of the whole Europe. The music, the folk dances and the

traditional choreographies are well known abroad . The folklore is a moment of meeting, of sharing of

emotions, of problems, of common feelings. The folklore is the soul of every country and in Romania

these feelings don't miss. Songs and popular dances such as the '' doini" of the "haidouk '', the '' hora '', the

'' braul '', the '' calusari '', performed with violins,

accordions, clarinets, harmonic and flutes (di Pan), are

the expression of the beliefs and the legends of the old

Rumanian folklore.

28

This is the reason for which we recommend you to listen to numerous Rumanian groups, Oltenia’s typical

songs, Valacchia’s and Transylvania’s involving dances, the unique rhythms of the Moldova and the

Banato. After listening to the new songs characterized by a rap and "bad boy", we recommend you to

listen to one of the greatest interpreters of the flute (di Pan): GHEORGHE ZAMPHIR Rumanian music

has popular origin characteristics created during the time and assuming an atmosphere that only

bylistening it can be appreciated ..

This is the reason for which we recommend you to listen to numerous Rumanian groups, Oltenia’s typical

songs, Valacchia’s and Transylvania’s involving dances, the unique rhythms of the Moldova and the

Banato. After listening to the new songs characterized by a rap and "bad boy", we recommend you to

listen to one of the greatest interpreters of the flute (di Pan): GHEORGHE ZAMPHIR Rumanian music

has popular origin characteristics created during the time and assuming an atmosphere that only

bylistening it can be appreciated ..

29

A trip in Romania, especially in the regions far from to greatest cities, is a complete discovery of the

ancient traditions and customs. Usually, these feasts are tied up to the succession of the seasons and

the agricultural works in the past, such as the feast of the reaping, of the first one treats of the sheep

and of the vintage. They can be also of the Christian feasts that go back to the ancient pagans’ rites.

The Rumanian people, very devoted to their traditions, participate numerous and warmly to these

moments. At New Year, it is traditional the "colinda" during which children go from house house

to wish good year, singing and offering crowns of flowers. Instead, on March 1 (martisor), men offer

to women a small mascot tied to a red and white thread: those ones who wear the "martisor", will be

fortunate and will have good health. In the past , the "martisor" was made with two wool threads,

one white and one red or black, that where the symbols of the two principal seasons: winter and

summer.

A trip in Romania, especially in the regions far from to greatest cities, is a complete discovery of the

ancient traditions and customs. Usually, these feasts are tied up to the succession of the seasons and

the agricultural works in the past, such as the feast of the reaping, of the first one treats of the sheep

and of the vintage. They can be also of the Christian feasts that go back to the ancient pagans’ rites.

The Rumanian people, very devoted to their traditions, participate numerous and warmly to these

moments. At New Year, it is traditional the "colinda" during which children go from house house

to wish good year, singing and offering crowns of flowers. Instead, on March 1 (martisor), men offer

to women a small mascot tied to a red and white thread: those ones who wear the "martisor", will be

fortunate and will have good health. In the past , the "martisor" was made with two wool threads,

one white and one red or black, that where the symbols of the two principal seasons: winter and

summer.

30

Women used to make it to tie it to the wrist or to the neck of their

children. It was also tied on the cows’ horns or on the stall’s

door to protect the house of the bad spirits. The red color,

that of the fire, of the blood and of the sun, was attributed

to life, therefore to the woman. The white color instead,

remembers the transparency of the water and the white of the clouds and was

attributed to the wisdom of man. These colors express the inseparable bond of nature with all of its vital

strength. Usually, the "martisor" is offered with a bunch of snowdrop, first

wild flower that blooms after the winter. Symbol of purity, the

snowdrop is also the symbol of the sun and spring victory on the

winter.

In Romania, love is celebrated twice a year: the S. Valentine

Day, on February 14, and also on February 24, when it is

famous the old Rumanian feast of love, the "dragobete“, is

celebrated

Women used to make it to tie it to the wrist or to the neck of their

children. It was also tied on the cows’ horns or on the stall’s

door to protect the house of the bad spirits. The red color,

that of the fire, of the blood and of the sun, was attributed

to life, therefore to the woman. The white color instead,

remembers the transparency of the water and the white of the clouds and was

attributed to the wisdom of man. These colors express the inseparable bond of nature with all of its vital

strength. Usually, the "martisor" is offered with a bunch of snowdrop, first

wild flower that blooms after the winter. Symbol of purity, the

snowdrop is also the symbol of the sun and spring victory on the

winter.

In Romania, love is celebrated twice a year: the S. Valentine

Day, on February 14, and also on February 24, when it is

famous the old Rumanian feast of love, the "dragobete“, is

celebrated

31

32

The name "dragobete" derives from the word "drag", that is "dear" in Rumanian, It is the name

of the rural god of the love represented as a fast, strong, good and beautiful youth. It’s to this god

that the feast is devoted. ''Dragobete '' is also the feast symbol of the spring, of the awakening of

nature and fertility. According to the tradition, the boys and the girls have to celebrate the

“dragobete” to fall in love themselves the whole year. In the past, the feast was an opportunity to

declare one’s own love in front of the whole community. In fact if you were kissed in public it

meant that your engagement was official.

The name "dragobete" derives from the word "drag", that is "dear" in Rumanian, It is the name

of the rural god of the love represented as a fast, strong, good and beautiful youth. It’s to this god

that the feast is devoted. ''Dragobete '' is also the feast symbol of the spring, of the awakening of

nature and fertility. According to the tradition, the boys and the girls have to celebrate the

“dragobete” to fall in love themselves the whole year. In the past, the feast was an opportunity to

declare one’s own love in front of the whole community. In fact if you were kissed in public it

meant that your engagement was official.

Romania is symbol of : culture, history, spirituality, nature, sport, traditions, legends,

adventure, relax, luxury, refined and rustic kitchen... leave with us to see, to discover and

to know a magic country.

Romania is symbol of : culture, history, spirituality, nature, sport, traditions, legends,

adventure, relax, luxury, refined and rustic kitchen... leave with us to see, to discover and

to know a magic country.

33