Global Treasures: Byzantine Moldovia

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1105

UPC: 879061007040

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, whatwe live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

The world-famous Moldavian monasteries, also known as the Bucovina monasteries, are among the most beautiful examples of Romanian art and have been designated as one of UNESCO's architectural monuments.

The paintings on the exterior of the Humor monastery, one of the oldest of the five great Moldau monasteries, date from the early 16th century.

The Voronet Monastery dates back to 1488 and was built by Stephen the Great after a victorious battle against the Turks.

First mentioned in 1402, the Moldovita Monastery was destroyed by a landslide but rebuilt in 1532. Here, Moldavian architecture combines with elements of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and the majority of Moldavia's churches are adorned with colorful frescos.

Set in a picturesque location, the Sucevita Monastery is one of the most well-preserved churches in the Moldavian region. Between 1595 and 1606, the church's splendid frescos were created under the direction of the artists Ion and Sofronie. The amazing diversity of the beautifully illustrated individual images of angels and martyrs is considered to be unique in Moldavian architecture.

The Arbore Monastery was dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, and the portrayal of the "Legend of George" on the external facade is particularly noteworthy. Although a number of the wall paintings have not stood the test of time, the Arbore frescos still manage to convey the splendor of Romanian religious art.

Massive, well-fortified walls surround the eye-catching Dragomirna Monastery, which was built between 1602 and 1609, and its prominent tower is richly decorated with numerous rosettes. Beyond its mighty walls there is a tranquil, idyllic atmosphere.

To capture the sacred and historical atmosphere of monastic life, there could be no better destination than the Bucovina monasteries.