Suceava: The Gateway to Bucovina's Monastic Treasures

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loot]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-zahtz mah]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [cheh fahch]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-beetz eng-leh-zah]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo in-tseh-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [uhsh doh-ree sah vuhd meh-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-nuhnk kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-rohk]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [uhsh doh-ree sah pluh-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-yoo-tohr]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Apelați Poliția!
  [ah-peh-lahts poh-lee-tsee-ah]
• Call a doctor!Sună un doctor!
  [soo-nuh oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostM-am pierdut
  [mahm pyehr-doohwt]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-nahv]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [uhsh doh-ree sah koom-puhr]
• I'm just lookingMă uit doar
  [muh ooit doo-ahr]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kuht kohs-tuh]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [yeh-steh preh-ah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să reduceți prețul?
  [poo-tehtsuh sah reh-doo-chehts preh-tsool]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [kuht yeh-steh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [yeh-steh oh-rah oo-noo]
• Half past (10)La jumătate (zece)
  [lah joo-muh-tah-teh zeh-cheh]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-neh-tsa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh ah-mee-ah-zuh]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yehr]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ahs-tuhz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-ee-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [treh-ee]
• 4Patru
  [paht-roo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheen-ch]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [ohpt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-wah]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [oon-deh yeh-steh oo-noo/oh]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [cah-reh yeh-steh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-tehtsuh sah-mee ah-rah-tahts (peh hahr-tuh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [kuhnd yeh-steh oor-muh-toh-rool (ow-toh-booze)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [oon bee-let spre]

Suceava, located in the northeastern part of Romania, was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 14th century. It became the capital of the Principality of Moldavia during the reign of Petru Mușat (1375–1391). This era marked the beginning of the city's strategic importance, both politically and economically.

The city reached its zenith during the reign of Stephen the Great (1457–1504), one of Romania’s most celebrated rulers. Under his leadership, Suceava was fortified with strong defensive walls and became a cultural and religious hub. The construction of the Suceava Citadel (Cetatea de Scaun) and the Mirăuți Church, the oldest church in Suceava, are significant landmarks from this period.

After the death of Stephen the Great, Suceava began to experience decline due to repeated invasions and the shifting of the Moldavian capital to Iași in the 16th century. By the 18th century, the city had fallen under Ottoman suzerainty, which brought significant administrative and cultural changes.

In 1775, following the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, Suceava and the surrounding region of Bukovina were annexed by the Habsburg Monarchy. This period saw a blend of Austrian and local Moldavian influences, with the establishment of new educational institutions and the modernization of infrastructure.

During World War I, Suceava was on the front lines and experienced significant turmoil. With the end of the war and the subsequent Treaty of Saint-Germain in 1919, Bukovina, including Suceava, was united with the Kingdom of Romania. This unification sparked a period of growth and integration into the Romanian state.

World War II brought further conflict to Suceava, with the city being occupied by Soviet forces in 1944. The post-war period saw Suceava incorporated into the Socialist Republic of Romania, leading to communist governance and significant socio-economic changes.

With the fall of communism in 1989, Suceava underwent rapid transformation. The city has since focused on preserving its rich historical heritage while fostering economic development. Modern Suceava stands as a testament to its resilient past, with restored historical sites and a growing cultural scene.

Suceava is accessible via Suceava International Airport (SCV), which offers flights from several European cities. Alternatively, you can fly into Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest and take a domestic flight, train, or bus to Suceava. The train journey from Bucharest to Suceava takes approximately 6 to 7 hours and offers scenic views. Buses are also available and provide a more economical option, though the trip may take longer.

Public transportation in Suceava includes buses and taxis. The local bus network is efficient and covers most parts of the city. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive; ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare beforehand. For greater flexibility, consider renting a car, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Walking is also a viable option for exploring the city center, where many attractions are located.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Suceava, so withdrawing cash is convenient. Currency exchange services are available at banks and exchange offices.

Suceava is generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar areas at night, and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant and aware of your surroundings is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for police, fire, or medical assistance. Suceava has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Bună ziua' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Suceava like a local, visit the local markets such as the Central Market, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Romanian goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Suceava Fortress, a historical landmark offering stunning views of the city. For a unique experience, explore the nearby Bukovina region, famous for its painted monasteries, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.