Together with Vorone■, Moldovi■a is the monastery where the vivid colours of the frescoes have been best preserved. Built in 1532, under Petru Rare║, the monastery was fortified in the second half of the 16th century with a massive tower and thick defence walls.
With its triconch plane and high-vaulted porch at the entrance, the monastery is highly representative of the Moldavian architecture of the time. The inside and outside painting, of high artistic value, is the work of Master Toma of Suceava in 1537. Certain frescoes, like the one depicting the Paradise, are inspired from the life of the Moldavian people. Some others stand out through the vivid drawing and the choice of colours: this is the case of ôThe Siege of Constantinopleö, showing Stephen the GreatÆs battles against the Turks; ôThe Worship of Virgin Maryö, painted on a dark blue background; ôThe Tree of Lifeö; and ôThe Last Judgmentö, showing high-ranking aristocracy led into hell by Satan himself.
Inside, on the right side of the nave, a votive painting shows Prince Petru Rare║ and his wife, Lady Elena, together with their sons, Ilie and ¬tefan, offering the church to Jesus Christ.
A museum adjoined to the church gathers valuable religious objects, such a Petru Rare║Æs throne, a Gospel belonging to Empress Ekaterina, icons, miniatures, embroideries, etc.
