Putna Monastery

Putna Monastery is an Orthodox monastic complex built in the Gothic style in Suceava County, Romania, surrounded by defensive walls and residential buildings. The main church displays painted interior walls and houses several burial chambers where members of the ruling family rest.

Ștefan cel Mare ordered construction starting in 1466 after his victory over the Kilia fortress and consecrated the site in 1471. Later rulers expanded the complex and reinforced the fortification walls against attacks from the east.

The monastery takes its name from the Putna river that flows through the wooded hills around it and supplied fresh water to the settlement. Visitors today can enter workshops where monks still paint traditional icons and craft liturgical objects.

The monastery sits in a wooded area with paved paths inside the walls and benches in the courtyard for resting. Guided tours explain the architecture and show accessible parts of the church, while some areas remain closed to visitors.

This is where the Via Transilvanica begins, a walking route that stretches more than 1400 kilometers (870 miles) across Romania to Drobeta-Turnu Severin. The path is marked by wooden sculptures that guide travelers through villages and forests along the way.

Location: Suceava County

Inception: 1466

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Website: http://putna.ro

GPS coordinates: 47.86600,25.59653

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:13