Stavropoleos Monastery
Bucharest-Ilfov Region
Stavropoleos Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox nunnery located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania. Founded in 1724 by the Greek monk Ioannikios Stratonikeas during the reign of Prince Nicholas Mavrocordatos, the monastery is noted for its exquisite Brâncovenesc architectural style. The church is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and is famed for its intricate stone and wood carvings. Though the original monastery buildings were demolished in the late 19th century, the church remains alongside a 20th-century building housing a significant library and collections of icons and ecclesiastical objects. The monastery is a vibrant center of Byzantine music, boasting Romania's largest collection of Byzantine music books and a renowned choir that performs neo-Byzantine chants. Its library holds over 8,000 theological and historical volumes, including rare manuscripts and printed works in Romanian, Greek, and Church Slavonic. The monastery community is active in restoring old books, icons, and liturgical textiles, preserving the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Romanian Orthodox tradition.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider going during weekdays to avoid crowds and to experience the serene atmosphere of the monastery. The choir's performances of Byzantine music offer a unique cultural experience, so check for scheduled services or concerts. Tickets or donations support the upkeep of the monastery, and purchasing in advance is advisable during peak tourist seasons. Modest dress is recommended as it is an active place of worship.
Faits intéressants
- •The monastery's name derives from the Greek 'Stavropolis', meaning 'City of the Cross'.
- •It houses the largest collection of Byzantine music books in Romania.
- •The Stavropoleos Byzantine Choir, founded in 1994, performs neo-Byzantine chants and has toured internationally.
- •The library contains over 8,000 books including rare manuscripts and early 18th-century printed works.
- •Parts of wall paintings recovered from churches demolished during the communist regime are preserved at the monastery.
Histoire
The Stavropoleos Monastery was established in 1724 by Ioannikios Stratonikeas, a Greek monk who also served as metropolitan of Stavropolis.
It was originally part of a complex including an inn, which financially supported the monastery.
The church has endured earthquakes that damaged its dome, with restorations undertaken in the early 20th century.
The original monastery buildings were demolished in the late 19th century, leaving only the church and a newer building designed by architect Ion Mincu.
Since 1991, the monastery has been led by Father Iustin Marchiș, who revived its religious and cultural activities, including the choir and restoration work on ecclesiastical artifacts.
Guide du lieu
The Stavropoleos Church1724
The main church building, a masterpiece of Brâncovenesc architecture, featuring ornate stone and wood carvings, and frescoes restored after earthquake damage.
Library and Exhibition BuildingEarly 20th century
A 20th-century building designed by Ion Mincu housing the monastery's extensive library, a conference room, and collections of icons and ecclesiastical objects from the 18th century.
Byzantine Choir and Music Collection1994 (choir foundation)
The monastery's choir specializes in neo-Byzantine chant, supported by the largest collection of Byzantine music books in Romania. The choir performs regularly and has released recordings.
Contact
Téléphone: 021 313 4747