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.
Snagov Monastery
On a small island in the northwestern part of the lake we discover the Snagov Monastery, which guards the supposed tomb of Vlad the Impaler. Although it was first mentioned at the beginning of the 15th century during the time of Mircea the Elder, Snagov Monastery is known as the foundation of Vlad Țepeș, who built the first important church, the cells, the refectory, the bell tower, the defensive walls and other structures. Only the church, bell tower and a few ruins remain of the old complex, being rebuilt between 1517 and 1521 by Neagoe Basarab and featuring beautiful Byzantine architecture and old frescoes. The monastery experienced a flourishing period during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu, who chose the learned Antim Ivirean to run one of the best printers in Wallachia. The first Romanian book in Latin characters was printed in Snagov, while many other valuable objects from here are kept at the monastery or at the National Art Museum.
Cernica Monastery
The marvelous 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
About 30 kilometers north of Bucharest, legends say that the Căldărușani Monastery was built in just 100 days from the year 1638, when the ruler Matei Basarab discovered this idyllic place, then lost in the depths of the Vlăsia Forest. Surrounded by Caldăruşani lake and resembling a fortress, the monastery is located on a small peninsula. It is one of the most important religious settlements in this part of the country, growing over the centuries and eventually becoming a renowned cultural and spiritual center. Many artistic masterpieces were created at this monastery, especially valuable icons and manuscripts. In the center of the complex, we admire the “St. Demetrius” Church, surrounded by the monks’ cells on two levels, the bell tower, the west wall, a chapel and a museum. Only a small part of the original paintings remain, but the new frescoes and icons inside are equally impressive.
Comana Monastery
About 40 kilometers south of Bucharest we discover Comana Monastery, an old foundation of Vlad Țepeș from 1461. Once an island surrounded by the marshes of the Neajlovu delta, the fortress-like monastery was rebuilt on the ruins of the old one by the boyar, later ruler, Radu Șerban, and later by his successor Șerban Cantacuzino. For a long time, Comana was the necropolis of the Cantacuzino family, but the tombs were lost during the Phanariot reigns, the entire complex being almost ruined. In the middle of the 19th century, the church is rebuilt and the complex is a restaurant several times in the following decades. Today, at the Comana Monastery we can admire the church from 1854, part of the old walls and cells, the royal house and cellars, the mausoleum of the heroes of the First World War, but also an interesting museum collection that includes both historical vestiges and valuable religious objects.
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.
Also known as Ciorogârla Monastery, the monastery of Sămurcășești is located in the town of the same name in the western part of the capital. The monastery was founded as early as 1808 on the estate of a vornic, the church was later painted by the famous Gheorghe Tattarescu. Unfortunately, the old church was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1940 and was rebuilt, only the pediment and two paintings by the original painter remain from the old building.
Accommodation around Bucharest
9.5 Rating from 330 Reviews!
Located in the village of Cozieni, just about 15 kilometers northeast of Bucharest, it offers large superb rooms with all the necessary amenities, as well as a seasonal swimming pool, a restaurant, sauna, and more!
9.2 Rating from 86 Reviews!
Located in Izvorani, about 30 kilometers north of Bucharest and close to Snagov and Țigănești monasteries, this guesthouse offers comfortable standard rooms, a nice restaruants, a lounge area and a garden!
9.6 Rating from 186 Reviews!
Located in Afumați, just about 15 kilometers from Bucharest and close to Cernica Monastery, this excellently reviewed guesthouse features standard rooms with private bathrooms, free parking and other amenities!