Râșca Monastery
About Râșca Monastery
Râșca Monastery stands in the village of Râșca, about 15 km from Fălticeni, at the foot of a wooded hill in the valley of the stream of the same name. The church of St Nicholas was built on the orders of Prince Petru Rareș and consecrated on 9 May 1542, when relics of St Nicholas were brought here. The place had an older history: the monastery continued a monastic settlement from the Bogdănești area, plundered by Tatars and Turks in the first half of the 16th century.
The church is one of the few in northern Moldavia painted on the outside as well. Over the centuries the complex was pillaged several times, and in 1921 a fire destroyed the church roof and part of the cells; reconstruction lasted until 1931. The painting was redone in 1827, and in recent years fragments of medieval painting with inscriptions in Greek and Slavonic have been uncovered beneath repaintings.
The enclosure wall, with towers, encloses the courtyard with the church, the bell tower and the 18th-century cells. It is a monastery of monks, where monastic life continues.
What you can see
The church with its two towers, with the massive porch added in the early 17th century, and the frescoes on the facades, including scenes from the Last Judgment. The porch keeps old tomb slabs, among them that of Bishop Macarie of Roman. You can also see the bell tower, the cells with their wooden gazebo and the stone walls of the enclosure.
Good to know
The church has been through a consolidation and restoration project financed by PNRR, with 18 months of works, handed over on 26 May 2026; the interior and exterior painting and the surroundings were restored. The monastery does not publish visiting hours; it is a working place of worship, so modest dress is expected.
Information verified on 13 October 2026.
- The frescoes on the church facades, painted on the outside, a rare case in northern Moldavia.
- The massive 17th-century porch with its old tomb slabs.
- Fragments of medieval painting brought to light under repaintings, with Greek and Slavonic texts.
- The enclosure wall with towers and the bell tower, which give the monastery the look of a fortress.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Fălticeni, ~15 km east through the commune of Râșca, on the DJ155A; from Suceava, ~55 km, around an hour. From the Roman – Fălticeni road you can also arrive via Vadu Moldovei and Bogdănești. Check the route in your map app: the access road is not confirmed in detail here.
Public transport: minibuses and buses to Fălticeni, then a taxi or car to Râșca.
- Where to park
No information is published about a laid-out car park; cars are usually left by the road near the gate.
- Fees & discounts
The monastery does not publish prices; ask at the gate.
- Rules
Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered. Keep quiet within the walls; during services do not walk about the church. Photography inside the church only with the clergy's agreement. Do not touch the frescoes.
- Facilities
Places to stay and eat in Fălticeni, ~15 km away
Frequently asked questions about Râșca Monastery
- How long does a visit to Râșca Monastery take?
- A visit to Râșca Monastery takes about 45 min (church, courtyard and walls).
- Can you visit Râșca Monastery with kids?
- Yes, Râșca Monastery is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
- How do I get to Râșca Monastery?
- Râșca Monastery is located at DJ155A, in the village of Râșca, about 15 km from Fălticeni, Râșca, Suceava County. By car: from Fălticeni, ~15 km east through the commune of Râșca, on the DJ155A; from Suceava, ~55 km, around an hour. From the Roman – Fălticeni road you can also arrive via Vadu Moldovei and Bogdănești. Check the route in your map app: the access road is not confirmed in detail here. Public transport: minibuses and buses to Fălticeni, then a taxi or car to Râșca.
- When is the best time to visit Râșca Monastery?
- The best season for Râșca Monastery: All year round (spring and autumn).
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