10 Must-Visit Monasteries In Romania

1. Trei Ierarhi Monastery, Iași

Trei lerarhi Monastery was built and completed during the 17th century. This is set to become one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites soon. Visitors stand in amazement of its intricate lace design on the façade. Tourists take their time taking photos of this part. The secret here is that its architecture integrates more than 30 design concepts. The result of such is a combination of eastern and western design elements that visitors find amusing and attractive. It is very hard to find another edifice that combines as many design elements as this one. Its rich history and architecture are the reasons why this monastery is important to Romania.

Trei Ierarhi Monastery

Address: Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt nr. 28, Iași 700259, Romania

Website: Trei Ierarhi Monastery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am – 7:30pm; Sat: 9:30am – 7:30pm; Sun: 7:30am – 7:30pm

2. Probota Monastery, Probota, Suceava

The original Probota Monastery had a vast expanse and property. What people see today is the monastery itself and the residence of the prince. Its rich history started in 1530 when it was founded by Petru Rares. The interior and exterior frescoes were added in 1532, thus enhancing the beauty of the monastery. Aside from the murals, the monastery is also known for its defensive architectural design. Its outer walls are so high and have towers at all corners for security reasons. You can climb the steeple and visit the mini-museum housing ancient books, artifacts, coins, and images of saints.

Probota Monastery

Address: DJ208S 58, Probota 727170, Romania

Website: Probota Monastery

3. Moldovița Monastery, Vatra Moldoviței

Moldovita Monastery is a painted monastery and is proudly listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list. The monastery has frescoes done by Byzantine master artists and was completed during the 1400s and 1500s. All the paintings have a common theme – religion. The message of each mural is connected to each other, therefore making one continuous dialogue with art as a powerful medium. This is what makes this monastery stand out from the rest during that time. The religious and political importance of the monastery lies in the fact that it is one of the existing Orthodox churches that stood tall against strong Protestant and Islamic demographic knocking on the doors of Romania.

Moldovița Monastery

Address: Vatra Moldoviței 727595, Romania

Website: Moldovița Monastery

4. Dragomirna Monastery, Dragomirna

Dragomirma Monastery is home to 60 nuns, who run the place on a clock-work basis. The monastery was founded by Bishop Anastasie Crimca, a renowned artist, calligrapher, and scholar. Visitors are keen on the lace design found in the center part of the monastery’s middle section of the façade. The design concept is found consistently throughout the edifice. This represents the holy trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It has a museum housing an impressive collection of art from medieval times. The nuns make a living by selling their hand-crafted images of saints and freshly-made cheese in the gift shop.

Dragomirna Monastery

Address: DJ208U 1, Dragomirna 727365, Romania

Website: Dragomirna Monastery

Opening hours: Tue: 8am - 12am; Mon, Wed & Sun: 24 hours (closed on Thu - Sat)

5. Hurezi Monastery, Romanii de Jos, Vâlcea

Hurezi Monastery, also called Horezu Monastery, was established by Prince Constantine Brancovan in the 17th century, and has been a prominent tourist attraction starting the last century. The architectural element of the edifice is nothing short of exceptional. The beautiful design includes a balance of elements resulting in pure and clean lines. Sculptures, made by master artists during that time, are filled with intricate details that highlight every inch with clarity. It has detailed portraits with prayerful themes that contribute to the monastery’s colorful religious scene. If you are looking for a place with impeccable design details, Hurezi Monastery has that in store for you.

Hurezi Monastery

Address: Str. Mănăstirii, Romanii de Jos 245803, Romania

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

6. Bogdana Monastery, Rădăuți

When Bogdan I built the monastery in 1360, the grounds were filled with lush forests and trees. The one detail that this monastery is known for is it serves as the final resting place for the man who built it. He chose this as his place of burial. Alongside his tomb are the remains of Moldovian rulers who succeeded him. A total of ten burial sites are found within the walls of the monastery. Seven are in the inner chamber, while three are located in the portico. History shows that this edifice is the longest standing religious structure in Moldavia.

Bogdana Monastery

Address: Strada Bogdan Vodă 4, 6, Rădăuți 725400, Romania

Website: Bogdana Monastery

7. Humor Monastery, Mănăstirea Humorului

Small in size compared to others, Humor Monastery’s frescoes stand as some of the most beautiful of its kind in Bucovina. Some of these murals were done as far back as 1535. The most famous part of the frescoes is the one that shows the Prodigal Son. Another scene-stealer is a painting of the devil appearing as a woman. This twist adds a touch of humor to the design of the church. The lack of a steeple means the monastery was built by a man of nobility and not a prince. The church was built by military man, Petru Rares and Chancellor Teodor Bubuiog.

Humor Monastery

Address: Mănăstirea Humorului 727355, Romania

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

8. Sinaia Monastery, Sinaia

The architectural design of Sinaia Monastery gave it a fortress-like appearance. This gave it a look that blends well with its natural surroundings that feature amazing landscapes. Prince Mihail Cantacuzino is credited with the establishment of the monastery in 1695. It was named after Saint Catherine’s Monastery, which is located in Mt. Sinai, Egypt. There are two churches within the grounds. The bigger one is called Biserica Mare and is characterized by a façade made with cable moldings. This was done in the Brancovenesc style. The smaller church is exemplified by columns with carvings and a doorway painted with fine details. These features make the monastery one of loveliest in the country.

Sinaia Monastery

Address: Strada Mănăstirii 2, Sinaia 106100, Romania

Website: Sinaia Monastery

9. Putna Monastery Museum, Putna, Suceava

The inspiration behind the founding of the Putna Monastery Museum is the victory over the Turks in the Battle of Chilia. The man responsible is Stefan cel Mare, also known as Stephen III of Moldavia. The monastery has frescoes, as well. But, the real reason why visitors come here are the graves of the family who ruled Moldavia. This includes cel Mare himself. His second and third wives are buried here, too, along with their children. The museum is home to one of the continent’s expansive selection of Byzantine art and artifacts. One of the relics on display is the bible cel Mar carried into the battlefront.

Putna Monastery Museum

Address: Strada Principală nr. 201, Putna 727455, Romania

Website: Putna Monastery Museum

Opening hours: Mon – Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm

10. Văratec Monastery, Văratec

With an estimated 500 nuns living, working, and praying in Varatec Monastery, the place is one of the biggest nunneries in all of Romania. It was completed in 1785 and is home to a museum with a collection of images of saints. It also has a little school for embroidery. The church itself has architectural details made with neoclassical design. Its lavishness is enhanced by the presence of frescoes done in vibrant colors. You will also find several silver and bronze pieces adorning the interior of the church. Compared to other monasteries, the exterior has a modern design with a miniature botanical garden nearby.

Văratec Monastery

Address: Văratec 617013, Romania

Website: Văratec Monastery

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visit Romania’s historic monasteries

Romania’s monasteries not only play a big role in the spirituality of its people, but also have become a part of their culture. Rich in history, these monasteries are located in various regions of the country, which are easily accessible. So, grab your ticket and visit the beautiful and historic monasteries in Romania.