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This scenic and rural road runs along the Eastern Carpathian mountain range in the region known as Moldova. It is best-known for offering access to Moldova’s world-famous monasteries, including Agapia, Neamt, Varatec, Horaita and others.

The road begins in Piatra Neamt (German Rock), one of the oldest settlements in Romania, dating back to the Neolithic and the Bronze Age. The town was also recorded in Roman documents and during the 15th century it served as a princely court under Stefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great).

While being nestled in a valley between the Petricica, Cernegura and Cozla Mountains and offering options for outdoors activities, the town is not a tourist attraction. Riding north toward Targu Neamt, DN15C meanders across mountains and river valleys, through small villages with historic monasteries. Most of these monasteries were built during the acclaimed reign of Stefan cel Mare, who celebrated his battle victories over the Ottomans by erecting churches and monasteries.

Along this road, there are two notable monasteries worth visiting—Varatec and Agapia, Romania’s largest. Varatec monastery is newer, dating back to 1785 and houses 280 nuns, in a beautiful setting, highlighted by the inner gardens. Agapia is slightly older (1642-1644) and home to 300 nuns. Surrounded by walls and a gate tower concealing the 17th century church and a lovely garden, the monastery offers a pleasant respite.

From here there is a short ride into Targu-Neamt. Targu Neamt (German Market) is a smaller and less attractive town than Piatra Neamt. It is known as the home of several well-known Romanian writers and the sight of Moldova’s finest ruined castle, the Neamt citadel. The town also boasts the house of Veronica Micle, a poet who lived in Targu Neamt for 39 years and was the lover of Mihai Eminescu—considered Romania's greatest writer and poet (who incidentally, couldn't afford to marry her after her husband's death). Sadly, poetry hardly ever provided its scions with financial means.

From Targu Neamt, DN 15C continues north towards Falticeni. However, before resuming your trip on this road, it would be well worth your time to visit the Neamt Monastery. It is the oldest monastery in Moldova (dating back to the 12th century) and the center of Orthodox culture in the region. It is the largest male monastery with 70 monks and several seminary students. The monastery resembles a fortress with its high walls and one remaining tower. A large pavilion outside the monastery houses the blessed water which can be bottled and taken home.

Getting back on DN15C, the road offers 24 kilometers of sweeping vistas and winding turns. About 10 kilometers south of Falticeni, you join E85 and the road takes on a higher asphalt quality. DN15C ends here, but your trip should not.

From Falticeni, E85 continues north for 36 kilometers into Suceava. At a first glance, Suceava could be overlooked with its apartment blocs and industrial character. In the 1980s, the town’s factories supposedly put out 20 tons of cellulose and fiber waste a day which caused respiratory and nervous disorders known as the Suceava Syndrome. Fortunately, filters have been installed to reduce the levels of pollution. Yet, the town’s displays beautiful churches and a lively downtown, populated by restaurants and shops.

More importantly, Suceava can serve as the jump-off point for exploring the region’s famous painted monasteries—Gura Humorului, Voronet, Moldovita, Sucevita. The roads are varied, and the attractions plentiful, as the region, known by the name of Bucovina has a rich and colorful history, culture and people.

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