A wooden church dating from 1790 and a neighboring stone church provide a tangible anchor for the architectural history of Horodnic De Sus Commune. They are joined by winter traditions around Epiphany and the Pădurea Voivodeasa forest reserve. Visitors planning a stay can choose between different points of interest: religious buildings, festive traditions or nature.
Wooden and Stone Churches
The “Sfântul Dumitru” wooden church stands in the center of Horodnic de Sus, in the village cemetery. It was built on Dealul Osoi in 1790 and consecrated that same year. The stone “Sf Dimitrie” church stands directly beside it in the cemetery. It was built in 1889 and rebuilt in 1952. The two churches thus bring together different architectural histories in one place: the wooden church was built and consecrated in the same year, while the stone church's history includes its original construction and later rebuilding.
Epiphany and Winter Traditions
The local tradition of the Epiphany blessing of water includes ice crosses and a procession involving the whole village. Food is also part of the custom: it includes blessed kolach bread, boiled wheat, boiled smoked fruit and other fasting dishes. Religious observance, the procession and traditional foods are thus part of a shared festive tradition. The winter customs of Horodnic de Sus are still preserved almost unchanged today.
In 2014, at a Șezătoare, the start of fieldwork was celebrated by symbolically plowing the first furrow. That same year, a Șezătoare in Horodnic de Sus brought together spoon carvers, opanak makers, potters, textile workers and wool processors, as well as singers and instrumentalists. These examples offer insight into different aspects of local customs: the annual cycle of work as well as crafts, textiles and music.
Forest Reserve and Museum
The Pădurea Voivodeasa forest reserve covers 101.9 hectares. Part of the forest lies in District 5 Hardic of Horodnic De Sus Commune. A rare specimen of the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) has been recorded in Pădurea Voivodeasa. The protected forest area supports ecological, scientific and research tourism. This adds a nature-focused point of interest to the religious and cultural heritage.
The “Emil Ianuș” Museum also offers another perspective on local culture. It comprises twelve rooms made of wood. Emil Ianuș also used tree roots to create sculptures; the museum collection includes traditional towels. Wood features both in the wooden church and the museum rooms, while the sculptures and textiles showcase other aspects of craftsmanship.
Accommodation and Travel Planning
Hanul Voievozilor is located on DN2E between Suceviţa and Putna, at the edge of Horodnic de Sus. The accommodation offers tourists traditional evenings featuring folk costumes and has its own collection of 30 costumes for this purpose. If you are considering a stay specifically to attend one of these evenings, it is best to check the date with the property in advance.
Putna can also be added to your itinerary as another destination: tourists can set off for it from Horodnic De Sus Commune. This makes it possible to accommodate different interests when choosing where to stay, from local cultural heritage to a possible excursion in the region.
Discover more destinations: Horodnic De Sus, Sucevița Commune, Straja Commune, Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Mănăstirea Humorului Commune, Cornu Luncii Commune, Arbore Commune, Păltinoasa Commune.
View the broader travel overview: Suceava.
