Venturing through one of the Carpathian’s narrowest and most scenic gorges, exit Transylvania for the historical province of Moldova. In the populous convent of Agapia, the nuns are dividing their time between carpet weaving and worshiping in a centuries old church, decorated by the most prominent Romanian painter. In his early 20’s he set of to break the Orthodox Church’s custom of using the Byzantine style for its vaulted frescoes. A few miles away, take a short hike up the steep hill crowned by one of Moldova’s most strategic fortresses, the reputation of which has inspired generations of writers. Access is still done over a long draw bridge, almost 30 feet into the air. Arrive in Bucovina, region known for its UNESCO protected exterior painted churches. The evening, when the world famous Voronet blue is most vibrant, becomes the perfect time to admire the so-called Sixtine Chapel of the East.
