The Orthodox Monasteries around Bucharest

Before Bucharest became the modern capital of today, the old town on the Dâmbovița river was surrounded by an endless forest known as the Vlăsia Woodland. Over the centuries, various legendary monasteries appeared around this area, some bearing their serenity and treasures to this day!

We can find many astonishing monasteries around Bucharest, most of them built centuries ago by the rulers of the country or local noblemen. Among the most interesting, we can visit monasteries like Snagov, Cernica, Căldărușani, Comana, Pasărea, Sitaru and Țigănești, located 20 to 50 kilometers from the capital. Entrance to most orthodox monasteries is free for everyone, usually being open all day long, although some might have certain requirements.

Cernica Monastery

We begin the journey just 20 kilometers east of Bucharest, where the marvelous Cernica Monastery is surrounded by a lake and a forest, offering a peaceful escape from the city. It was built in 1603, in the middle of the ancient, and once endless, forest of Vlăsia, on the spot of an even older religious establishment. Located on two small islets of the Cernica Lake, the monastery complex is dominated by the Saint George Church, dating from 1842 and resembling a fortress with strong walls and an imposing entrance gate.

There are also two memorial houses on the first islet, as well as a small museum, the trapeze and a library. The pathway continues towards the second islet, where the Church of St. Nicholas can be found, built in 1815 on the site of an older one. There is another small church dedicated to St. Lazarus, inside the cemetery that has the tombs of important personalities.

Căldărușani Monastery

Legends say that the Căldărușani Monastery was built over just 100 days in the year 1638, when the ruler of Wallachia, Matei Basarab, discovered this idyllic place lost in the depths of the old Vlăsia Forest. Surrounded by the water of the Căldărușani Lake and resembling a veritable fortress, the monastery is located on a small peninsula, about 30 km north of Bucharest. Visiting this spiritual place offers us a touching and emotional experience, uncovering one of the most beautiful and important monasteries in this part of Romania.

The impressive complex surrounded by water grew through the centuries, becoming a renowned religious and cultural center, with many personalities being drawn by its fame. Many amazing artistic masterpieces were created at this monastery, especially valuable manuscripts and icons. At the center of the complex sits the St. Demetrius Church, surrounded by the monk’s cells on two levels, the bell tower and the eastern wall, as well as a chapel and a small museum. Only a small part of the original paintings of the church is still preserved, but nevertheless, the newer frescoes and the interior icons are also spectacular. 

Snagov Monastery

Guarding the presumed tomb of the famous Vlad the Impaler, the marvelous Snagov Monastery is one of the most interesting sights around Bucharest. Located on an idyllic island in the northern part of Snagov Lake, about 45 kilometers north from the city, the monastery complex is surrounded by superb scenery and tourist villas. Although it was first mentioned at the beginning of the 15th century during the reign of Mircea the Elder, the monastery of Snagov is rather famous as being established by Vlad the Impaler, who built the first proper church, the monk’s cells, the trapeze, the bell tower, defensive walls and more. 

Only the church, the bell tower and some ruins still remain from the old complex, rebuilt by Neagoe Basarab between 1517 and 1521 and featuring splendid Byzantine architecture and old frescoes. The monastery flourished during the time of Constantin Brâncoveanu, who appointed the famous scholar Antim Ivireanul to lead one of the best printing presses of Wallachia. The first Romanian book with latin letters was printed here, while there were also many other priceless objects held by the monastery, while others are exhibited inside the National Museum of Art.

Comana Monastery

Another exceptional monastery originally founded by Vlad the Impaler during the 15th century can be found in the village of Comana, about 35 kilometers south of Bucharest. Once located on an island and surrounded by strong defensive walls, Comana Monastery was restored and renovated many times through the centuries, the actual church being built in 1854. The tombs of many historical personalities and most of the architectural treasures of the monasteries were lost during the countless periods of neglect and desertion. 

Only parts of the old cells and walls are still preserved from the complex of Comana, the rest of the buildings, including the mausoleum of the World War I heroes, being more recent additions. The land around the monastery used to be a large marshland surrounded by forests, a small part of this wondrous natural heaven being now a protected area that includes an astonishing biodiversity. We can also visit the exciting adventure park located close to the monastery.

Other Monasteries Around Bucharest

There are a few other amazing religious destinations that we can find around Bucharest, starting with Țigănești Monastery, located about 45 km from Bucharest, close to the monastery of Snagov. Founded sometime during the 18th century, it includes a church built by local boyars and featuring splendid interior paintings, a famous weaving workshop and a small museum. 

Pasărea Monastery is located about 20 km east of Bucharest close to a small lake and a forest. It was established at the beginning of the 19th century, with the new church being built in 1846 by Saint Calinic of Cernica, featuring beautiful paintings.

The monastery of Sitaru, also known as Balamuci is located about 40 km to the northeast of Bucharest, surrounded by the ancient woodlands formerly known as Codru Vlăsiei. Probably built during the 17th century by an important nobleman, it includes a splendid church that was rebuilt a century later, considered one of the most representative Brâncovenesc style architectural monuments of Wallachia.

Accommodation around Bucharest