The Moldavian monasteries were gradually founded between the 15th and 16th centuries by Stephen the Great (Romanian: Stefan cel mare), the ruler of the then Principality of Moldavia, and his successors. Historical records say that Stephen the Great wanted to build a church for every victory on the battlefield to thank God for his support. Over time, his victories over the Poles, Turks and Hungarians led to the construction of around 40 churches and monasteries, the so-called Moldavian monasteries, near his headquarters in Suceava. In order to convey parables and stories from the Bible to the people of the time, many of the Moldavian monasteries' outer walls are decorated with detailed wall paintings, which can still be admired today. In 1993, the following Moldavian monasteries were placed under UNESCO World Heritage protection: Arbore Monastery, Humor Monastery, Moldovita Monastery, Patrauti Monastery, Probota Monastery and Voronet Monastery. In 2010, the number was expanded to include the Sucevita Monastery. The most beautiful examples of fresco paintings can be found in the Moldavian monasteries of Voronet, Arbore, Moldovita and Sucevita. However, the Putna Monastery is known as the "queen of the Moldavian monasteries", and is also the final resting place of Stephen the Great.
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