Suceava is an ancient city in northern Romania, famous for its rich history, ancient monasteries and unique atmosphere. It attracts travelers with its medieval sights and fabulous scenery.
Geographical location of Suceava
Suceava is located in the northeast of Romania, in the historical region of Bukovina, on picturesque hills by the river of the same name, a tributary of Seret. The area of Suceava is about 52 km².
The climate is temperate continental, with prolonged fall, cold winter, short spring and warm summer. The average temperature in July is about +20 degrees Celsius and in January it is about -2. Most precipitation occurs in May and June. This climate creates excellent conditions for abundant greenery, for which Suceava is famous.
Brief history of Suceava
The history of Suceava dates back to the XII century. It was then that it was first mentioned in chronicles. It was a major trade center between Lviv and Galati. In the XIII century it quickly became an important center of the Moldavian principality.
In 1374 the metropolis was founded here and churches were built, in 1388 the residence of Peter I Mushata was moved here, and from 1391 Suceava became the capital of the Moldavian principality.
In the XV century Suceava was taken by Stefan the Great, who built many defensive structures. During this period, the famous painted monasteries, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, were erected.
For a long time the city successfully fought off attacks. But in the XVI century Suceava lost the status of the capital and experienced periods of Ottoman, Austrian and Romanian rule. Nevertheless, despite many historical vicissitudes, Suceava has preserved its cultural significance and rich heritage.
Today it is a dynamically developing city, which harmoniously combines historical monuments and modern buildings. It is also a major transport, trade and industrial center.
Demography of Suceava
The population of Suceava is 84,308 according to 2022 data. The population is predominantly Romanians, but there are also Ukrainians, Poles, Roma, Germans and other ethnic groups that have historically lived in the region.
Sometimes it is difficult to understand what language is spoken in Suceava. The official language here is Romanian, but among the older generation you can hear Ukrainian and German. Young people actively study English, which is also widely used in the tourist sphere.
Economy and infrastructure of Suceava
The economy of Suceava is based on trade, agriculture, light industry and tourism. There are large pulp and paper and wood processing enterprises, as well as machine building, knitting and footwear industries.
Suceava is famous for its excellent network of electric buses. There is an international airport to the east of the city, and a railway station in the city itself. Highways connect it to major centers in Romania and neighboring countries.
The architecture is a mixture of medieval fortresses, Austro-Hungarian buildings and modern constructions. So it is sometimes hard to tell from the photos which country Suceava is in. The city center has preserved many old churches, museums and cozy corners, so it is very interesting to walk around.
Culture and attractions of Suceava
The main attraction is the Suceava Fortress, which once served as the residence of Moldovan rulers. For a long time its massive walls were considered one of the most impregnable in the region, because they withstood many sieges.
You should definitely visit the monasteries - the Monastery of the Castle, Agigadar, Humor, Dragomirna and others. The best way to get acquainted with the culture and customs of the region is to visit the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life. The Museum of Bukovina is a whole complex that includes several smaller museums.
The city parks and natural areas create perfect conditions for walks and picnics. One of the most popular is the Central Park, but in general, even in the center there are several such green areas. Folk art festivals and local fairs with local products and handicrafts are very interesting and colorful.
Why visit Suceava
Suceava is a city where history comes alive. Every year this tourist destination is becoming more and more popular, so it's time to pay attention to it! The combination of affordable prices and a rich excursion program will be a godsend for all connoisseurs of antiquity, culture, customs and history.