Monasteries around Bucharest

There are several monasteries built on the lakes or in the forests around Bucharest and these provide great places to break up from the city or can be individual tourist destinations by themselves, through their very interesting locations and architectural value.

Plumbuita Monastery is one of the few places close to the city limits, which are quiet and torn apart from the crowded area they are located in. Founded by Peter the Young (1559 AD - 1568 AD), expanded by Alexandru the 2nd (1568 AD -1577 AD) and rebuilt by Matei Basarab as a sign of gratitude for the victory against Radu Voda, Plumbuita Monastery also hosted the first printing press in Bucharest in 1570 AD.

Cernica Monastery is one of the biggest and with the finest location monastery in the vicinity of the city. The 19th century monastic complex, nestled on a small island in the middle of Cernica Lake (14 km. East of Bucharest), is one of Romania's most idyllic monasteries. Two churches, some chapels, a cemetery, seminars, religious art and a printing museum, all those can be wandered among on the premises.

Pasarea Monastery lies on Pustnicu (also known as Cozieni) Lake, being surrounded by an agglomeration of small houses meant for the nuns. The monastery, originally built in 1813 AD, is nowadays home for over 180 nuns.

Snagov Monastery was first mentioned in documents in the end of the 14th century. The monastery is supposed to have been built by Vlad the Impaler (1456 AD - 1462 AD). The present church originates from the 16th century and it is a representative monument for the medieval architecture. The paintings represent the largest medieval wall assembly in a Romanian church. It played an important cultural role because it sheltered one of the first printing centers in Romania (towards the end of the 17th century). Last, but not least, Vlad the Impaler is supposed to have been buried here.