Cozia Monastery
Southwest Oltenia Region
Cozia Monastery, located near Călimănești in Romania's Oltenia region, is a significant religious and historical site founded between 1387 and 1391 by the Wallachian ruler Mircea the Elder. The main church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is an architectural masterpiece built from hard white stone by Moravian craftsmen, inspired by the Serbian church in Kruševac. It features a trilobate plan, precise proportions, and rich ornamentation. The monastery's frescoes, some dating back to Mircea's reign and others renovated in 1517 under Neagoe Basarab, include notable portraits of Mircea and his son Michael in knightly attire, as well as that of Șerban Cantacuzino who led 18th-century restorations. The complex also contains two chapels, a baptistery, monastic cells, and a summer residence pavilion from the mid-19th century. It holds the tombs of Mircea the Elder and Teofana, mother of Michael the Brave. The monastery remains a vibrant spiritual center and a symbol of Romanian medieval art and history.
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Astuce: Visitors should plan their visit between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM daily, as the monastery is open without an entrance fee. Pre-booking is not necessary, but exploring early in the day can avoid crowds. Souvenir shops are available on-site. The best time to visit is spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Modest dress is recommended out of respect for the religious site.
Faits intéressants
- •The monastery's church was built by Moravian craftsmen, modeled after the Serbian Lazarica Church in Kruševac.
- •The original wooden iconostasis burned down and was rebuilt in brick in 1794, painted in 1907.
- •The cross on the church's tower dates back to Mircea the Elder's time.
- •Cozia Monastery contains the tombs of Mircea the Elder and Teofana, the mother of Michael the Brave.
- •The monastery has two chapels: one dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God (1583) and another to All Saints Sunday (1710).
- •The frescoes include portraits of historical figures in knightly costume, a rare artistic feature for the period.
Histoire
Cozia Monastery was founded by Mircea the Elder between 1387 and 1391, marking an important period of Wallachian medieval statehood and culture.
It was originally known as Nucet Monastery and renamed after the nearby Cozia Mountains.
The church was consecrated in 1388 and underwent significant fresco renovations in 1517 during the reign of Neagoe Basarab.
In the early 18th century, the monastery was expanded with a porch, monastic cells, and a baptistery by Șerban Cantacuzino.
The 19th century saw further restoration and the addition of a summer residence pavilion by rulers Bibescu and Știrbei.
The monastery has continuously served as a religious and cultural landmark for over six centuries.
Guide du lieu
Main Church of the Holy Trinity1387-1391
The central church built between 1387-1391, notable for its trilobate plan, rich stone ornamentation, and frescoes depicting Mircea the Elder and his son in knightly attire. It is the spiritual heart of the monastery.
Porch and Monastic Cells1706-1707
Added in 1706-1707 by Șerban Cantacuzino, these include the porch, renovated frescoes, monastic cells, and a baptistery (water basin) in front of the church, enhancing the monastery's functional and aesthetic aspects.
Summer Residence Pavilion1850-1856
Built between 1850-1856 by rulers Bibescu and Știrbei, this pavilion served as a summer residence for the monastery's leadership and is one of the few surviving structures from this period.
Chapels1583, 1710
The monastery has two chapels: one dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God (built in 1583) and another dedicated to All Saints Sunday (built in 1710), serving additional liturgical functions within the complex.
Contact
Téléphone: 0250 750 230