This was the very first church built by Petru Rares in 1530, on the place where previously, according to historians, a small wooden church and a somewhat larger stone one laid. The very name, Probota, actually means brotherhood, the brotherhood of the monks who lived and prayed at this Orthodox holy place. But the much older monastery dates from the times of Stephen the Great, a legendary ruler and warrior of Moldova, who also chose this monastery as the final resting place for his mother. So it was no small wonder that Stephen the Great cared for the monastery and gave the place a lot of support and privileges, making it a rich and important place. No less than eight villages from around the site were paying dues to the monastery. It wasn't long before the Probota Monastery became one of the richest and most respected, and after the passing of Stephen the Great, it was reconstructed and restored by Petru Rares, who himself cared for the place.
Today the Probota Monastery must be visited not only as a place of worship, but also as an impressive history and art museum and one of the best preserved Middle Age holy places in the region, with a varied field of objects, works of art and architecture. At first visitors can see no less than 21 tombstones, dating from 1464 to 1640, all of them surprisingly well preserved and testimonies to the skill and devotion of the old stonemasons, who really made sculpture an art. The decorative elements range from flowers and various plants to several geometrical shapes. The collection of artefacts discovered during the archaeological diggins on the monastery fields, presented in a small exhibition, range from tools and coins to weapons and even decorative items. Just as interesting is the presentation of old cloths and materials, religious items, priest's clothing and icons.
The architecture of the monastery - like many others it is surrounded by a thick and sturdy defense wall, which could turn it into a hard to conquer fortress - is still impressive, and the restoration work has proved to be more than well made. The style and care with which the church was finished makes it one of the best religious structures on Moldova, as it has mostly Romanian elements, decisive for the age.
Of great importance, as in many other cases, is the interior and exterior painting, wonderfully restored as to give out the best of the colours, lines and ideas of the Middle Age painters, whose names are now forgotten. The inside works were completed in 1532 and recently restored, and are simply amazing, due to the richness of details, the variety of Biblical and traditions scenes, chosing several important moments in the life of Jesus Christ and the lives of the saints. The compositions, with several characters, rich backgrounds and vivid colours are little stories in themselves. Unfortunatelly for art lovers and historians alike, the outside works didn't keep so well, as the passing of time has made it's mark.
Sadly, most of this exterior works have been severely damaged and it would take extensive restoration works to recover them. Still, the general lines, some figures and colour choices are still visible on the walls of the church. The Probota Monastery has been chosen to be put on the UNESCO list of World Heritage. A worthy distinction for such a place.
Photo : manastiri-bucovina.go.ro
