Church of the "Feast of the Cross" Horodnic de Jos

In the village of Horodnic de Jos, a settlement near Rădăuți, the larch wood church dedicated to the Feast of the Cross was built in 1717, recognized as the oldest church in the area and the sixth oldest in Moldova. In the same year, in May, the little church was consecrated, and the villagers entered it for the first time to offer prayers to God. Today, the small Orthodox church, considered a masterpiece of Bucovina craftsmen, is testimony to their patience and undying faith.

The church has never been restored but, despite its age, the wooden beams look almost new.

The legend says that initially, during construction, the church was covered with linden bark, later replaced with shingles, and then with sheet metal.

The one who has ever entered its heart tells how exciting and mysterious it is to enter the miniature construction, which resembles "a carefully polished box", with good taste and humility.

But we invite you to live your own experience in this little church full of grace!

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Architectural features 

Raised on oak soles and on a river stone foundation, the church is one of the most valuable wooden monuments in Moldova. Modest and with miniature dimensions, the place will impress you with the richness of the exterior decorations.

The religious ensemble does not have domes and has a classic ship shape, specific for the Moldavian area.

On its exterior, you can see the presence of a braided belt, all around, having the pattern of a cyubuce coil, as it was called by the craftsmen. In addition, under the eaves there is a register consisting of 92 pits decorated with braided belts.

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Priceless treasures

The Church of the "Feast of the Cross" in Horodnic de Jos preserves on the wall of the pronaos a number of 13 icons painted on wood, dating from the 18th century, depicting the Savior and the 12 apostles.

Also, another valuable object found here is the hand-carved Cross, carved in wood in 1837, donated by parish priest Nicolai Popescu in 1888, as well as 12 ritual books, printed between 1745-1777. 

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Unique experiences

Complete your trip in the surroundings and make a stop to worship at other nearby religious monuments, such as the wooden Church "St. Demetrius" in Horodnic de Sus, Bogdana Monastery, Putna Monastery or Sucevița Monastery.

And to enjoy the beauty of nature and to admire special flowers, we invite you to visit the Eve Forest Garden, the Horodnic Flower Greenhouse, or take a walk through the lavender field - Owl Lavender.