You are currently viewing Special places for heart. Ten monasteries that you will love to see if you get to Romania

Special places for heart. Ten monasteries that you will love to see if you get to Romania

They might not be typical holiday destinations – but if you get to Romania I strongly recommend you to visit them. They are very old, full of historical meanings, some of them are UNESCO heritage. Beyond this, each of them is a small piece of Heaven, with idyllic views, peace, silence to listen to your thoughts and your heart, God so close to your soul. I love each of these places and try to see at least some of them when I get to Romania – I’m absolutely sure you will love them, too, if you get to visit.

Sambata de Sus Monastery in Brasov county, Romania

This is definitely one of “my places” – a place full of magic, of peace and so much blessing. Located between the cities of Sibiu and Brasov, with so beautiful surroundings, it has a small, old church, and also a new one, bigger, and you feel the peace of heart in every corner. Nearby, there is a beautiful lake where you can just stay, enjoy the magic and listen to your heart. The monastery dates from 1657 and it was restored in 1926.

Ramet Monastery in Alba county, Romania

Located in a magnificent natural décor, near mountains, is one of the oldest monastic settlements from the historical region of Transylvania. Dating from the XVI-th century, with original frescoes still kept, the monastery has also a small museum inside – and I recommend you to visit it also, it’s very beautiful. And you will love the last part of the road up to the monastery – so beautiful surroundings, places to take a lot of photos, for sure!

Barsana Monastery in Maramures county, Romania

This monastic complex, dating from the end of the XIV- th century, is one of the most famous and most visited religious settlements in Romania. Old monastery, 57 meters tall, is surrounded by the monks’ cells, the chapel, the masters’ house and the artists’ house. A museum was also built inside the complex. If you get to the area take a few days to visit the historical region of Maramures – it’s one of the most beautiful places to see in the country.

Peri Sapanta Monastery in Maramures county, Romania

This spectacular wooden church – 78 meters high – is located into a dendrological park, with 36 species of trees and over 1000 secular trees, some even over 300 years old. Closed to the monastery you can also visit the Merry Cemetery from Sapanta, the only one of this kind from Europe, that has also a very beautiful church.

Voronet Monastery in Suceava county, Romania

It was built in 1488 and called “The Sistine Chapel of the East” due to the impressive painting covering the walls. The blue from the painting is called “Voronet blue” and is famous, like the monastery, one of the most visited places in the historical region of Bucovina and UNESCO heritage. Take time to admire it and “feel” the place – it’s extremely beautiful and gives you a feeling of wonderful inner peace.

Moldovita Monastery in Suceava county, Romania

Dating from 1532, surrounded by old defense walls, the monastery is UNESCO heritage also and a must see if you get to the area. One of the points of attraction of the Moldovița Monastery is the exterior painting, especially the one on the southern wall of the church, which has been preserved in good condition.

Sucevita Monastery in Suceava county, Romania

I think this is the most spectacular from the monasteries located in the historical region of Bucovina. The architecture combines elements of byzantine and gothic art, to which are added architectural elements of the old wooden churches in Moldova. The surrounding defense wall is very well preserved, also interior and exterior old painting. It was built between 1583-1586 and is UNESCO heritage, also.

Putna Monastery in Suceava county, Romania

The construction of the monastery began in 1466 and ended three years later, in 1469. The original church underwent major changes between 1653-1662. The initial architectural lines specific to the moldavian style have been preserved, being made up of five rooms: porch, narthex, tomb, nave and altar. There are thus reunited elements of byzantine, gothic and renaissance architecture.

Agapia Monastery in Neamt county, Romania

Located in the middle of a wood, is one of the oldies monasteries of nuns from Romania. It was built between 1641 and 1643 and some of the interior paintings were made by famous romanian painter Nicolae Grigorescu. The monastery complex includes three churches and a chapel, the precinct buildings and the monastery village consisting of 141 historic monument houses.

Varatec Monastery in Neamt county, Romania

It is the biggest monastery for nuns from Romania, with more than 400 nuns living here. The monastery was founded in 1785, and the church “The Assumption of the Mother of God” was built between 1808-1812. In the years 1960-1961, a museum was set up in several rooms of the monastery. Here, visitors can admire a collection of church objects – embroideries, icons, liturgical vessels, manuscripts, crosses – with historical and artistic value.

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