Putna: Monasteries, Rock Cave and Via Transilvanica

Putna is shaped by Orthodox monasteries, historic churches and traditional crafts. At the same time, the Bukovina section of the Via Transilvanica begins at Mănăstirea Putna—a point of reference for travelers who want to include cultural heritage and hiking in their travel plans.

Monasteries and architectural history

Mănăstirea Putna was built by Ștefan cel Mare between 1466 and 1469. The Orthodox monastery is one of Romania’s most important cultural, religious and artistic centers. Its medieval museum preserves manuscripts, embroideries from the monastery workshops, church and teaching books, ecclesiastical treasures, and ceramic objects.

The wooden church “Intrarea Maicii Domnului în Biserică” has a different architectural history. It is also known as the “Dragoș Vodă” wooden church or Schitul Putna and, according to tradition, dates to the mid-14th century. Today it serves as a chapel and museum. By contrast, Biserica “Nașterea Maicii Domnului” was built between 1900 and 1908: Romanian Orthodox believers from Putna built it with the support of the Bukovina Church Fund.

Mănăstirea Sihăstria Putnei

The monastery comprises four places of worship: the small chapels “Sfântul Ioan Evanghelistul” and “Acoperământul Maicii Domnului,” Biserica “Buna Vestire,” and the large church “Izvorul Tămăduirii.” Pilgrims visit Mănăstirea Sihăstria Putnei to attend the services held there.

The original Biserica “Bunavestire” was built between 1754 and 1758. During restoration work, it was completely rebuilt from 1990 to 1996 and consecrated on September 29, 1996. The church contains a reliquary with the relics of the venerable abbots Sila, Natan and Paisie. Architectural history and religious veneration thus coexist at this site.

Biserica “Acoperământul Maicii Domnului,” also called “Biserica de la izvor,” is on the left, 200 meters before the entrance to Mănăstirea Sihăstria Putnei. The Izvorul Starețului Sila spring is next to the church. Many believers visit the spring to collect blessed water.

Rock cave and landscape

Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul is a cave carved into a rock in the valley of the Vițău stream, about one kilometer from Mănăstirea Putna. Inside, the pronaos, naos and altar of a chapel also carved into the rock are visible. Beneath it is a cell, likewise carved out of the stone. The individual rooms give the cave its distinctive layout.

Poiana Sihăstriei refers to a different kind of landscape: it is a broad, sunlit clearing. The rock cave and the clearing thus represent different aspects of the surrounding area.

Hiking route and getting around

The Via Transilvanica begins in Bukovina at Mănăstirea Putna. The Bukovina section is 144 kilometers long and heads from there toward the Sucevița Depression. This distinction is important when planning: the distance refers to the entire section, not to a single local hike.

Mănăstirea Putna and Mănăstirea Sihăstria Putnei are 3.7 kilometers apart, a distance that can be covered on foot. Mănăstirea Putna is also about 1.5 kilometers from Putna railway station. If you are traveling by train, check the current rail service in advance; the distance from the station to the monastery remains the same regardless.

Traditions and remembrance

Decorating eggs is a custom in Putna that has been known since ancient times. The craftswomen use a simple tool, which each artisan makes herself and which is known locally as a “chișiță.” Alongside its churches and monasteries, local craft traditions are also part of Putna’s cultural identity.

A report by the Archdiocese dated July 2, 2025, described a special military ceremony held within the walls of Mănăstirea Putna. It honors the founder, takes place on July 2, and has already become a tradition.

For the broader travel overview: Putna Commune.