The church is heaven on earth. Moldovans are drawn to icons they believe can cure disease and bring rain. Saints' days are faithfully honored and saints' bones are kissed in the hope they will bring blessings. On Sundays, people put on their best clothes and go to churches or monasteries for lengthy services. The anniversaries of dead relatives are celebrated in public.
Monasteries hold at least three services every day, starting at dawn and ending after midnight.
To this mystical and almost medieval world come visitors from Japan, Europe and the United States, although tourist services are rudimentary and highways poor. A 10-minute drive away is Voronet monastery, possibly the most stunning of all the monasteries with outside painted walls. The blue so brilliant in the frescoes here and elsewhere has become known as Voronet blue. A secret formula for the color is still passed from one abbot to the next on his deathbed. The Last Judgment fresco at Voronet vividly illustrates sins such as adultery and overindulgence.