Biserici Biserici

onasteries

M~n~stiri [i biserici din Romnia

Monasteries and Churches of Romania

Muntenia [i Oltenia

Walachia and Oltenia

Descrierea CIP a Bibliotecii Na]ionale a Romniei Gheorghiu, Mihai M~n~stiri din Romnia. Oltenia [i Muntenia / foto.: Dan Ioan Dinescu, Mircea Savu, tefan Petrescu; text: Iustin Marchi[; trad.: Alina Crc-Bucure[ti: NOI Media Print, 2005. ISBN: 973-7959-23-X I. Dinescu, Dan Ioan (foto.) II. Savu, Mircea (foto.) III. Petrescu, tefan (foto.) IV. Marchi[, Iustin (text) V. Crc, Alina (trad.)

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Cuprins

Contents
M~n~stirea Antim M~n~stirea Arnota M~n~stirea Bistri]a M~n~stirea Brncoveni M~n~stirea C~ld~ru[ani M~n~stirea Cernica M~n~stirea Ciolanu M~n~stirea Corbii de Piatr~ M~n~stirea Cozia M~n~stirea Curtea de Arge[ M~n~stirea Dealu M~n~stirea Dintr-un Lemn M~n~stirea Govora M~n~stirea Hurez M~n~stirea N~m~ie[ti M~n~stirea Polovragi M~n~stirea Sinaia Biserica Stavropoleos M~n~stirea Surpatele M~n~stirea Suzana M~n~stirea Tismana M~n~stirea Zamfira The Antim Monastery The Arnota Monastery The Bistrita Monastery The Brancoveni Monastery The Caldarusani Monastery The Cernica Monastery The Ciolanu Monastery The Corbii de Piatra Monastery The Cozia Monastery The Curtea de Arges Monastery The Dealu Monastery The One Wood Monastery The Govora Monastery The Hurez Monastery The Namaiesti Monastery The Polovragi Monastery The Sinaia Monastery The Stavropoleos Church The Surpatele Monastery The Suzana Monastery The Tismana Monastery The Zamfira Monastery

10 12 16 22 24 28 32 34 36 44 50 52 56 60 66 68 72 76 80 82 84 90

M~n~stiri [i biserici din Romnia

Monasteries and Churches of Romania

Muntenia [i Oltenia

Walachia and Oltenia

Cteva repere de istorie [i arhitectur~ sacr~

A Few Landmarks of History and Religious Architecture

ste binecunoscut faptul c~ att romnii ct [i str~inii care ne viziteaz~ ]ara sunt ndemna]i pe c~i oficiale, guvernamentale sau diplomatice, dar [i prin ini]iative private, s~ viziteze Bucovina cu renumitele sale m~n~stiri. Cunoscnd [i recunoscnd unicitatea [i valoarea acestora, ca transilv~nean [i monah, nu ncetez, de 30 de ani, s~ cred [i s~ afirm c~ Oltenia [i mai ales m~n~stirile vlcene merit~ o aten]ie cel pu]in egal~. De Oltenia [i mai ales de m~n~stirile Vodi]a, Tismana [i Cozia, adic~ de ctitoriile din ara Romneasc~, se leag~ nceputurile organiz~rii vie]ii monahale la romni. Dar nu trebuie s~ uit~m a-i aminti mai nti pe monahii din Dobrogea, renumi]ii Dionisie cel Mic [i Sfntul Ioan Casian, pe monahii transilv~neni, schismatici din Cenad-Morisena [i pe cei maramure[eni de la Sfntul Mihail din Peri. Cel care a organizat monahismul [i a fondat primele m~n~stiri n ara Romneasc~ este Sfntul Nicodim (1406), ctitor la Vodi]a [i Tismana. Ucenicii s~i au zidit M~n~stirea Cozia (1391) a c~rei biseric~ s-a p~strat pn~ n zilele noastre, fiind cel mai vechi a[ez~mnt monahal, cu via]~ nentrerupt~ de la noi. La Cozia a tr~it [i fostul logof~t al lui Mircea cel B~trn, Filos, devenit monahul Filotei [i socotit primul poet romn. Tot din secolul al XIV-lea dateaz~ [i m~n~stirea arge[ean~ Corbii de Piatr~, cu a sa biseric~ rupestr~ p~strat~ pn~ n zilele noastre. n zona Buz~ului, n apropierea M~n~stirii Ciolanu, se g~sesc multe pe[teri [i schituri n care s-au nevoit pustnici. O alt~ biseric~ rupestr~ p~strat~ pn~ ast~zi este cea a M~n~stirii N~m~ie[ti din Arge[. Le-am numit pe toate acestea gndindu-ne la primele bazilici [i chilii rupestre ale m~n~stirilor din Dobrogea. Ruinele acestora se mai p~streaz~ pn~ n zilele noastre, amintind de Capadocia [i de vechile a[ez~minte rupestre din

omanians and foreigners who visit Romania receive private, official, governmental or diplomatic recommendations to visit Bukowina and its renowned monasteries. Knowing and acknowledging their unique character and worth, as a Transylvanian and a monk these last thirty years I have never stopped believing and maintaining that Oltenia and the monasteries of Valcea in particular deserve at least the same attention. The swaddling days of monastic life with Romanians are related to Oltenia, to the monasteries of Vodita, Tismana and Cozia in Wallachia. We should also mention here the monks of Dobruja, the famed Dionysius Exiguus (Denis the Little) and Saint John Cassian, the Transylvanian schismatic monks of Cenad-Morisena, and the Maramures monks of Saint Michael of Peri. Saint Nicodemus (d. 1406) organized monasticism in this country and laid the foundations of the first monasteries in Wallachia: Vodita and Tismana. His followers erected the Cozia Monastery (1391) the church of which is still standing and is the oldest settlement of uninterrupted monastic life in Romania. Philos, former steward of Ruler Mircea the Old, deemed the first Romanian poet, became monk Philotei and lived at Cozia. The Arges Monastery of Stone Ravens with its rock church also dates back to the 14th century, and has been preserved to this day. In the area of Buzau, near the Ciolanu Monastery there are several caves and sketes where hermits led a reclusive life. Another rock church preserved to this day is that of the Namaiesti Monastery of Arges. I have recalled all these names having in mind the first basilicas and rock cells of the monasteries in Dobruja. Their ruins, visible even nowadays, remind one of Cappadocia and the old rock settlements in the Christian Orient that bespeak the

Orientul cre[tin, care ne trimit la nceputurile monahismului r~s~ritean ale primelor secole cre[tine, unde [i are originea [i monahismul romnesc. n istoria sa ulterioar~ el va r~mne strns legat de Muntele Athos, pn~ ast~zi centrul monahismului ortodox. n timp ce, n Moldova, tefan cel Mare este considerat ca fiind cel mai mare ctitor de m~n~stiri [i biserici, n ara Romneasc~, Matei Basarab a ctitorit cele mai multe a[ez~minte biserice[ti [i monahale, fiind cel mai mare ntemeietor de l~ca[uri sfinte din istoria romnilor. n vremea lui Matei Basarab apar [i primele manuscrise muzicale [i miniaturi, monahii caligrafiind [i nfrumuse]nd manuscrise [i c~r]i liturgice. Dac~ am pomenit de mari ctitori nu trebuie s~ l uit~m pe Radu cel Mare [i biserica M~n~stirii Dealu, dar nici pe Neagoe Basarab cu M~n~stirea Snagov [i Biserica Episcopal~ de la Curtea de Arge[, care a adunat la sfin]ire, n 1517, n ziua de Sfnta Maria Mare, al~turi de patriarhul Constantinopolului, ierarhi [i clerici din ntreaga ortodoxie. Nu-l uit~m ns~ nici pe mai pu]in cunoscutul Radu Paisie, ctitorul bolni]ei Coziei, socotit~ bijuteria arhitecturii muntene[ti a secolului al XVI-lea. Prin construirea acestui l~ca[ se adaug~ o nou~ dimensiune vie]ii monahale: ocrotirea [i t~m~duirea celor afla]i n suferin]~. Tot de numele lui Matei Basarab se leag~ [i M~n~stirea Arnota, unde este [i nmormntat, dar [i m~n~stirile C~ld~ru[ani, Brncoveni, Dintr-un Lemn. Pe lng~ domnitori, numero[i boieri, stare]i [i monahi au zidit sau au ref~cut m~n~stiri [i biserici ale unor m~n~stiri: schiturile Cornetu [i Crasna, M~n~stirea Gura Motrului n secolul al XVI-lea, schiturile Iezeru [i Ostrov [i m~n~stirile Topolni]a, Surpatele [i Turnu, n secolul urm~tor. Domnitorul martir Constantin Brncoveanu a ctitorit M~n~stirea Hurez, f~r~ putin]~ de t~gad~ complexul m~n~stiresc cel mai reprezentativ pentru ]ara noastr~, care cuprinde, pe lng~ biserica mare [i

early days of eastern monasticism in the first Christian centuries when Romanian monasticism took shape. Its subsequent history will stay closely connected to Mount Athos, the center of Christian orthodox monasticism. While in Moldavia Stephen the Great emerged as the greatest founder of monasteries and churches, in Wallachia, it was Matei Basarab who built the most numerous religious abodes, being considered the most arduous constructor of holy places in Romanias history. His epoch also saw the printing of the first musical scores and illuminations, as monks used to pen and decorate liturgical volumes. Among the conspicuous founders of religious abodes in this country mention should also be made of Radu the Great and the church of the Dealu Monastery, Neagoe Basarab and his Snagov Monastery and Episcopal Church of Curgea de Arges that was hallowed in 1517 on Virgin Marys Day, in the presence of the patriarch of Constantinople, and of clergy from the entire Christian Orthodox world. A less known name is that of Radu Paisie, founder of the Cozia hospital, seen as the jewel of 16th century Wallachian architecture. The erection of that establishment gave a fresh dimension to religious life: treatment and cure of suffering persons. The monastery of Arnota, where Matei Basarab is buried, is another foundation of this worthy Prince, alongside those of Caldarusani, Brancoveni, Dintr-un Lemn. Besides princes, there were also numerous boyars, abbots and monks who built or remade various monasteries and churches. To mention only the sketes of Cornetu and Crasna, the Gura Motrului Monastery of the 16th century, the Iezeru and Ostrov sketes, the monasteries of Topolnita, Surpatele and Turnu, the 17th century. Martyr Ruler Constantin Brancoveanu founded the Hurez Monastery, undoubtedly the most representatives

Oltenia
paraclisul din incint~, biserica [i ruinele bolni]ei, precum [i schiturile Sfntul tefan, Sfin]ii Apostoli [i Sfntul Ioan. Al~turi de alte ctitorii ale lui Constantin Brncoveanu, m~n~stirea este reprezentativ~ pentru stilul brncovenesc, sintez~ arhitectural~ original~ ntre Orient [i Occident, pe care me[terii epocii sale l-au izvodit, avndu-l ca pov~]uitor chiar pe duhovnicul domnitorului, Ioan Arhimadritul. Importante sunt [i m~n~stirile zidite n veacul al XVIII-lea, cum a fost de pild~ M~n~stirea V~c~re[ti, cea mai mare din spa]iul balcanic al epocii, d~rmat~ ns~, mpreun~ cu bisericile Cotroceni, Sfntul Pantelimon [i alte biserici din Bucure[ti n deceniul nou~ al secolului trecut. Tot din aceast~ epoc~ dateaz~ [i m~n~stirile Stavropoleos, Antim, Suzana, Polovragi, Surpatele, St~ni[oara. A[ez~mintele monahale din acel timp, ca de altfel dintotdeauna, nu sunt doar l~ca[uri de rug~ciune, ci [i centre de cultur~ n care arhitectura, pictura, icoana, tip~riturile [i muzica liturgic~ continu~ [i mbog~]esc tradi]ia. Cel mai de seam~ eveniment al acestei perioade este mi[carea paisian~, dup~ numele Sfntului Paisie Velicicovski de la Neam] (1794). Ea a nceput cu stare]ul Vasile de la Poiana M~rului (Buz~u), renviind astfel tradi]ia isihast~ proprie dintotdeauna monahismului oriental [i r~spndit~ prin stare]ul Gheorghe la Cernica [i C~ld~ru[ani [i prin Sfntul Calinic pn~ la M~n~stirea Fr~sinei din Vlcea. Trebuie s~ spunem r~spicat c~ n 1864, prin legea seculariz~rii, monahismul ca [i Biserica primesc o grea lovitur~, singura m~n~stire a c~rei avere a r~mas nesecularizat~ fiind M~n~stirea Fr~sinei, acest lucru datorndu-se sfin]eniei ctitorului ei, Sfntul Calinic, a[a cum reiese dintr-un act semnat chiar de domnitorul Alexandru Ioan Cuza. Greu ncercat~ prin legile lui Al.I.Cuza, via]a monahal~ se revigoreaz~ la nceputul secolului al XX-lea, dup~ ce n secolul al XIX-lea s-au zidit m~n~stirile

Mu

religious compound in Romania, which features a big church, the precincts chapel, the church and the ruins of the hospital, as well as the Saint Stephen, the Holy Apostles and the Saint John sketes. Next to other foundations by Constantin Brancoveanu, the monastery is characteristic of the Brancovan style, an original architectural synthesis between the West and the east created by the masters craftsmen of the epoch, having as spiritual guide John the archimandrite, the confessor of the ruler. Other important abodes are those of the 18th century, the Vacaresti Monastery, the biggest in the Balkans at the time, but pulled down together with the churches of Cotroceni, St. Pantelimon and others in Bucharest in the eighth decade of the 20th century. The monasteries of Stavropoleos, Antim, Suzana, Polovragi, Surpatele, and Stanisoara also date back to the 18th century. The monastic settlements of the time and of always are not merely places of devotion but also centers of culture where architecture, painting, icons, printings and liturgical music continue to enrich the tradition. The most important event of the time was the movement led by Paisie (Saint Paisie Velicicovski of Neamt, 1794). It began with monk Vasile of Poiana Marului (Buzau) who revived the hesychast tradition proper to Eastern monasticism and established by monk Gheorghe at Cernica and Caldarusani and by Saint Calinic at the Frasinei Monastery of Valcea. It must be clearly showed that in 1864 the law of secularization dealt a heavy blow at monasticism and the Church. Only the monastery of Frasinei preserved its wealth and that was due to the holiness of its founder, Saint Calinic, as revealed by a document signed by Ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza. Seriously tested following the laws promoted by Al.I.Cuza, monastic life gained again impetus in the

untenia
Ghighiu, Pas~rea, Zamfira, ultima fiind zugr~vit~ de tn~rul Nicolae Grigorescu, ca s~ fie apoi [i mai greu ncercat~ n timpul regimului totalitar, printr-un decret din 1959, ce a redus drastic att num~rul schiturilor [i m~n~stirilor ct [i pe cel al monahilor [i monahiilor ce se nevoiau n ele. Dup~ 1989, monahismul, ca de altfel ntreaga via]~ bisericeasc~, cunoa[te o rena[tere f~r~ precedent. Dar nu trebuie s~ uit~m c~ n r~stimp, n jurul M~n~stirii Antim din Bucure[ti, s-au adunat monahi [i oameni de cultur~ ca niciunde n Europa acelor vremi, mai ales n spa]iul st~pnit de sovietici. Aici renvie, pilduitor, sub ndrumarea unui monah rus de la Optina, rug~ciunea inimii, a[a cum la Smb~ta F~g~ra[ului este renviat duhul filocalic prin lucrarea unui monah [i a unui teolog. Toate acestea, dup~ ce m~n~stirile parc~ disp~ruser~, fiind considerate doar monumente istorice. early 20th century. The 19th century saw the building of the monasteries of Ghighiu, Pasarea, Zamfira, the last being painted by young Nicolae Grigorescu, and then awfully oppressed by the totalitarian system under a decree of 1959 that drastically cut down the number of sketes and monasteries and of the clergy serving them. After 1989, monasticism, like the entire church life witnessed an unprecedented rebirth. Still, before this date it should be noted that around the Antim Monastery of Bucharest monks and men of culture gathered like nowhere in Europe in the area under the Soviet umbrella. Under the guidance of a Russian monk from Optina there came to life, exemplarity, the prayer of the heart, just as at Sambata Fagarasului the philokalia spirit is called to life by the works of a monk and a theologian. And all this after a time when monasteries had vanished, being deemed mere historic monuments. Ieromonah Iustin Marchi[ Hieromonk Iustin Marchis

M~n~stirea Antim

The Antim Monastery

Biserica m~n~stirii, v~zut~ dinspre vest The monastery church seen from the west

Este ctitoria mitropolitului Antim Ivireanul, din anii 1713-1715. Biserica, avnd hramul Duminica Tuturor Sfin]ilor, este construit~ n plan treflat [i apar]ine, prin concep]ie arhitectonic~ [i decora]ie, stilului brncovenesc. Iconostasul, din piatr~ sculptat~ (unic n arta romneasc~), ca [i u[a bisericii, bogat mpodobit~, sunt atribuite chiar lui Antim. n anul 1912, n incinta m~n~stirii s-a construit Palatul Sfntului Sinod al Bisericii Ortodoxe Romne, care ad~poste[te [i biblioteca. Acesta, n urma sistematiz~rii zonei pentru construc]ia Centrului Civic, n 1984 a fost mutat pe o distan]~ de 25 m, cu o rotire de 13 grade. M~n~stirea a fost restaurat~ n anul 1950. Ea de]ine un muzeu cu obiecte de cult [i o expozi]ie dedicat~ vie]ii [i activit~]ii mitropolitului Antim Ivireanul, canonizat n 1992 de Sfntul Sinod, fiind nscris n calendar n data de 27 septembrie.

It is founded by metropolitan Antim Ivireanul between 1713 and 1715. Dedicated to All Saints Sunday, it has a trefoiled design and its architecture and decoration is in the Brancovan style. The iconostasis, in sculpted stone, (unique in Romanian art) as well as the richly adorned church door, are attributed to Antim himself. In 1912, the palace of the Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church was built within the monastery precincts, also housing a library. Following the development of the area for the erection of the Civic Center it was moved on a distance of 25 meters, at a 13-degree rotation. The monastery was restored in 1950. It houses a museum of religious articles and an exhibition dedicated to the life and activity of metropolitan Antim Ivireanul, canonized in 1992 by the Holy Synod, and celebrated in the calendar on September 27.

Sfntul Ierarh Nicolae [i Sfntul Alexie Mozaicuri din pridvorul bisericii. Saint Hierarch Nicholas and Saint Alexie Mosaics on the church porch.

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M~n~stirea Arnota

The Arnota Monastery

Biserica m~n~stirii Vedere dinspre nord-vest. The monastery church View from the northwest.

A fost ntemeiat~ n 1634 de voievodul Matei Basarab, pe locul unor biserici mai vechi [i are hramul Sfin]ii Arhangheli Mihail [i Gavriil. Arhitectura este specific~ ~rii Romne[ti: plan trilobat, cu abside [i pridvor. Acesta din urm~, mpreun~ cu turla de pe el, a fost ad~ugat n 17051706 de voievodul Constantin Brncoveanu, care a renovat pictura [i a schimbat iconostasul [i u[a. Biserica a fost renovat~ n 1852-1856 de domnitorul Barbu tirbei, care a construit [i cl~diri noi pentru chilii, iar n anii 1954-1958 ntregul a[ez~mnt a fost consolidat [i modernizat. n pronaosul bisericii se afl~ mormntul ctitorului, voievodul Matei Basarab, [i cel al tat~lui acestuia.

Founded in 1634 by Ruler Matei Basarab on the spot of older churches, it is dedicated to Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The specific Wallachian architecture features a trilobate design, with apses and porch. The last mentioned, together with the turret it supports is the work of Ruler Constantin Brancoveanu, added in 1705-1706, when the painting was touched up and the iconostasis and the door were changed. Ruler Barbu Stirbey renovated the church between 1852 and 1856, making new cells, and between 1954 and 1958 the entire abode was consolidated and modernized. The tomb of the founder, Ruler Matei Basarab and of his father are laid in the church pronaos.

Vedere general~ a m~n~stirii Imagine de la sfr[itul secolului al XIX-lea. General view of the monastery Photo from the late 19th century.

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Voievodul Matei Basarab

Naosul bisericii, tablou votiv.

Ruler Matei Basarab

Naos of the church, votive painting.

Incinta m~n~stirii [i biserica Vedere dinspre nord-vest. The precincts of the monastery and the church View from the northwest.

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Doamna Elina
Naosul bisericii, tablou votiv.

Princess Elina
. Naos of the church, votive painting.

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M~n~stirea Bistri]a

The Bistrita Monastery

Biserica m~n~stirii, v~zut~ dinspre sud-vest The monastery church seen from southwest

A fost ctitorit~ n anii 1492-1494 de fra]ii Craiove[ti: Barbu (devenit monahul Pahomie), Prvu, Danciu [i Radu. D~rmat~ de Mihnea cel R~u n 1509, biserica a fost recl~dit~ [i zugr~vit~ n timpul voievodului Neagoe Basarab (1515-1519) de boierii Craiove[ti. Voievodul Constantin Brncoveanu a repictat-o n 1684. Dup~ avarierea lor la cutremurul din 1838, biserica [i cl~dirile au fost rezidite ntre 1846 [i 1855, sub domnitorii Gheorghe Bibescu [i Barbu tirbei; pictura a fost executat~ de Gheorghe Tattarescu. Biserica, avnd hramul Adormirea Maicii Domnului, ad~poste[te moa[tele Sfntului Grigorie Decapolitul, aduse n 1497 de Barbu Craiovescu. Acesta a construit [i biserica-bolni]~ (1520-1521), care exist~ [i azi. n apropiere, n pe[tera Bistri]ei, se afl~ dou~ schituri: Vovidenie [i Sfin]ii Arhangheli Mihail [i Gavriil. n a[ez~mntul monahal de la Bistri]a a func]ionat prima tiparni]~ din ~rile Romne, aici fiind tip~rit Liturghierul lui Macarie, n 1508.

The abode was founded between 1492 and 1494 by the Craiovescu brothers: Barbu (who became monk Pahomie), Parvu, Danciu and Radu. Pulled down by Mihnea the Evil in 1509, the church was rebuilt and painted during the reign of Ruler Neagoe Basarab (1515-1519) by the Craiovescu boyars. Ruler Constantin Brancoveanu had it repainted in 1684. As the 1838 earthquake seriously damaged it, the church and its annexes were consolidated between 1846 and 1855 under Ruler Gheorghe Bibescu and Barbu Stirbei. The painting is the work of Gheorghe Tattarescu. Dedicated to The Dormition, the monastery houses the relics of Saint Gregory the Decapolite, brought over by Barbu Craiovescu in 1497. He also built the infirmary of the church (1520-1521), still standing. Close by, in the Bistrita cave there are two sketes: Vovidenie and Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The first printing house in the Romanian Lands operated in this Bistrita monastic establishment, where Macaries Missal was printed in 1508.

Vedere panoramic~ a m~n~stirii dinspre sud Imagine de la sfr[itul secolului al XIX-lea. Southern panoramic view of the monastery Photo from the late 19th century.

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18

Sfntul Mucenic Mina

Pictur~ mural~ n naosul bisericii, de Gh. Tattarescu (1820-1894).

Saint Martyr Mina

Mural painting in the church naos by G. Tattarescu (1820-1894).

Sfntul Mucenic Eusta]iu

Schitul Vovidenie Biserica rupestr~, pictur~ mural~ n naos. The Vovidenie Skete Rock church, mural paintings in the naos. Pictur~ mural~ n naos, de Gh. Tattarescu.

Saint Martyr Eustatiu

Mural painting in the naos by G. Tattarescu.

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Iisus Pantocrator
Biserica bolni]ei, calota turlei, pictur~ mural~.

Christ Pantocrator
, The church of the infirmary, the vault of the turret, mural painting.

Sfntul Grigorie
Pictur~ mural~ n naos, de Gh. Tattarescu.

Sfntul Eftimie
Pictur~ mural~ n naos de Gh. Tattarescu.

Saint Gregory
Mural painting in the naos by G. Tattarescu.

Saint Eftimie
Mural painting in the naos by G. Tattarescu.

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21

M~n~stirea Brncoveni

The Brancoveni Monastery

Incinta m~n~stirii [i biserica, v~zute dinspre sud-vest The precincts of the monastery and the church seen from the southwest

A[ez~mntul monahal existent aici din secolul al XVI-lea a fost ref~cut n 1640 de voievodul Matei Basarab. Din aceast~ epoc~ se mai p~streaz~ st~re]ia, turnul-clopotni]~ [i o parte din zidul de incint~. Voievodul Constantin Brncoveanu a construit biserica actual~, cu hramul Sfntul Nicolae (1699), n locul celei vechi, biserica bolni]ei (1670). n biserica m~n~stirii este nmormntat Papa Brncoveanu, tat~l voievodului. n timpul r~zboiului turco-austriac din 1716-1718 m~n~stirea a fost ars~ par]ial, cutremurul din 1838 a avariat-o grav, secularizarea din timpul lui A.I.Cuza a transformat-o ntr-un a[ez~mnt modest (al c~rui curator a fost vestitul Popa apc~). Ref~cut~ par]ial de episcopul Vartolomei St~nescu, a fost desfiin]at~, ca [i altele, n 1959. Abia dup~ 1980 au nceput lucr~ri ample de repara]ii, consolid~ri [i renov~ri. n beciul mare de sub st~re]ie s-a amenajat un lapidariu model, unde au fost ad~postite [i sculpturi ale unor biserici demolate din Bucure[ti.

The monastic establishment existing here since the 16th century was reconstructed in 1640 by Prince Matei Basarab. The abbey, the belfry, and part of the precincts wall have been preserved to this day. Prince Constantin Brancoveanu erected the present church dedicated to Saint Nicholas (1699) on the spot of the old one, the hospital church (1670). Papa Brancoveanu, the princes father, is buried in the monastery church. The church was partly burnt down during the Turkish-Austrian war of 17161718, then damaged by the 1838 earthquake. Prince A.I.Cuza turned it into a modest secular establishment (having the famous Priest Sapca as curator). Partly refurbished by bishop Vartolomei Stanescu, it was shut down in 1959, like many others religious abodes. Only after 1980 ample repair, consolidation, and renovation works were undertaken. A lapidarium has been set up in the extensive cellar under the abbey, which also shelters carvings and sculptures from churches that have been demolished in Bucharest.

Turnul-clopotni]~, v~zut din pridvorul biericii The belfry tower seen from the porch of the church

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M~n~stirea C~ld~ru[ani

The Caldarusani Monastery

Incinta m~n~stirii [i biserica, v~zute dinspre sud-vest The precincts of the monastery and the church seen from the southwest

A fost ctitorit~ de domnitorul Matei Basarab n anul 1638, pe locul unui vechi schit de lemn, n forma unui careu de chilii ap~rate de un zid [i un turn de straj~ (actuala clopotni]~). Biserica, avnd hramul Sfntul Dumitru, zidit~ n 100 de zile, n form~ de trefl~, este o combina]ie de stiluri arhitectonice, ca [i cea de la M~n~stirea Dealu. Pictura a fost ref~cut~ de mai multe ori, n secolele XVIII-XX. coala de pictori biserice[ti, care a existat aici din 1778, a fost frecventat~ [i de Nicolae Grigorescu n anii 1854-1856. Tot aici, n 1825 s-a nfiin]at o tipografie. M~n~stirea de]ine una din cele mai valoroase colec]ii muzeale: ve[minte, obiecte de cult, tip~rituri, icoane (cteva pictate de Nicolae Grigorescu).

Founded by Ruler Matei Basarab in 1638 on the spot of an older wooden skete, the establishment is square, with cells protected by a wall and a watch tower (the present belfry). Dedicated to Saint Dimitry, the church was erected in 100 days on a trefoiled design, and is a combination of architectural styles, just like the Dealu Monastery. The painting was remade several times in the 18th-20th centuries. Between 1854 and 1856, Nicolae Grigorescu, too, studied at the school of religious painting existing here from 1778. A printing house was also opened here in 1825. The monastery boasts one of the most valuable museum collections of religious attire, articles, printings, icons (a few painted by Nicolae Grigorescu).

Vedere panoramic~ a lacului [i a m~n~stirii dinspre sud-est Panoramic view of the lake and of the monastery from the southeast

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Iisus [i Samariteanca
Icoan~ de Nicolae Grigorescu, 1854-1855 (muzeul m~n~stirii).

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

Icon by Nicolae Grigorescu, 18541855 (museum of the monastery).

Iisus mp~rat
Icoan~ de Nicolae Grigorescu, 1855 (muzeul m~n~stirii).

Christ Enthroned
Icon by Nicolae Grigorescu, 1855 (museum of the monastery).

Sfin]ii Gheorghe [i Dimitrie

Icoan~ de Nicolae Grigorescu (muzeul m~n~stirii). Saints George and Dimitry Icon by Nicolae Grigorescu (museum of the monastery).

Sfin]ii tefan, Stelian [i Pantelimon

Icoan~ de Nicolae Grigorescu (muzeul m~n~stirii).

Saints Stephen, Stelian and Pantelimon

Icon by Nicolae Grigorescu (museum of the monastery).

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M~n~stirea Cernica

The Cernica Monastery

Ostrovul Sfntul Gheorghe Vedere aerian~ cu biserica, corpurile de chilii [i muzeul m~n~stirii. The Saint George Isle Birds eye view with the church, cells and monastery museum.

Conform hrisovului existent n muzeul m~n~stirii, aceasta a fost ntemeiat~ n 1608 de Cernica tirbei, mare vornic al domnitorilor Mihai Viteazul [i Radu erban. A[ez~mntul e situat pe dou~ ostroave, care [i-au luat numele de la hramurile bisericilor construite pe ele: Sfntul Nicolae [i Sfntul Gheorghe. M~n~stirea a fost fondat~ pe ostrovul Sfntul Nicolae, biserica [i cteva case d~inuind pn~ la sfr[itul secolului al XVIII-lea. Biserica actual~ a fost construit~ n 1815. Sfntul Calinic, stare] al m~n~stirii n anii 1818-1850, a zidit biserica Sfntul Gheorghe pe cel~lalt ostrov (18311842), mutnd aici ntreaga ob[te a monahilor. Numai ostrovul Sfntul Gheorghe r~mnea accesibil pentru credincio[i, unde c]iva c~lug~ri ]ineau serviciile religioase. La Cernica a existat o [coal~ de pictur~ [i de copi[ti. Numeroase personalit~]i ale culturii romne (Gala Galaction, Tudor Arghezi, Ion uculescu [i al]ii) au tr~it aici, au avut leg~turi strnse cu m~n~stirea sau [i dorm somnul de veci n cimitirul acesteia. Biserica Sfntul Laz~r din cimitirul m~n~stirii dateaz~ din 1804.

According to the document existing in the monastery it was founded in 1608 by Cernica Stirbey, great justiciar of Rulers Michael the Brave and Radu Serban. The establishment is situated on two isles taking their names from the churches built on them dedicated to Saint Nicholas and Saint George. The monastery was founded on isle Saint George, its church and a few houses standing until the end of the 18th century. The present church was erected in 1815. Saint Calinic, who was abbot of the monastery between 1818 and 1850 built the Saint George Church on the other isle (1831-1842), moving there the entire community of monks. Only the isle of Saint George could be visited by the faithful and a few monks said mass there. At Cernica there was once a school of painting and copyists. Numerous personalities of the Romanian culture (writer Gala Galaction, poet Tudor Arghezi, painter Ion Tuculescu and others) lived here, had close ties with the monastery and now rest unto eternity in the cemetery of the monastery. The Saint Lazarus Church from the monastery cemetery dates back to 1804.

O parte din incint~, v~zut~ dinspre vest A part of precincts seen from the west

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Vedere general~ a m~n~stirii, latura de nord General view of the monastery, the northern wing

Casa memorial~ Sfntul Calinic The Saint Calinic memorial house

M~n~stirea Cernica Interiorul bisericii. The Cernica Monastery Inside view.

Izvorul T~m~duirii, aflat la intrarea n m~n~stire The Spring of Healing at the entrance to the monastery

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M~n~stirea Ciolanu

The Ciolanu Monastery

Vedere general~ dinspre vest, de pe Dealul M~gura General view from the west, from the Magura Hill

Numele m~n~stirii vine de la cel al dealului pe care se afl~. Biserica, avnd hramul Sfntul Gheorghe , dateaz~ din 1590 (pictura actual~ fiind realizat~ n 1860), cnd aici era un schit. Acesta ulterior s-a extins, episcopul Chesarie zidind n 1828 biserica mare, cu hramul Sfin]ii Apostoli Petru [i Pavel, pictat~ de Nicolae Teodorescu Pitaru. Ref~cut~ n 1862, dup~ incendiul din 1854, biserica a fost repictat~ n fresc~ tot de Nicolae Teodorescu. n 1934, peste aceast~ pictur~ s-a suprapus o alta n ulei, iar n 1984 s-a f~cut ultima restaurare a picturii. Dup~ 1970, pe locul fostelor chilii de pe trei laturi ale careului de incint~, sau construit case noi, cu etaj, ntr-una din ele amenajndu-se muzeul m~n~stirii. Colec]ia muzeal~ cuprinde icoane, c~r]i vechi, obiecte de cult [.a. Trei icoane pictate de Gh. Tattarescu n 1886 se afl~ n iconostasul din biserica mare. n poienile din fa]a m~n~stirii s-a organizat, ncepnd din 1970, tab~ra de sculptur~ n piatr~ de la M~gura, care s-a extins apoi, an de an.

The name of the monastery comes from the hill on which it stands. The church, formerly a skete, dedicated to Saint George, dates back to 1590 (the present painting was done in 1860). In 1828, bishop Chesarie built the big church dedicated to Apostles Peter and Paul, and painted by Nicolae Teodorescu Pitaru. Remade in 1862 after the fire of 1854, the church was decorated with frescoes by the same Nicolae Teodorescu. In 1934 an oil painting was achieved on top of the former, and then was restored in 1984. After 1970, new storied-houses were erected instead of the former cells on the three sides of the precincts square, one of them opening as the monastery museum. The collection includes icons, old books, religious items, a.s.o. The iconostasis in the big church features three icons painted by G. Tattarescu in 1886. Starting with 1970 the stone sculpture camp of Magura is organized in the meadows in front of the monastery, an event that has grown larger with every passing year.

Incinta m~n~stirii, vedere dinspre sud-vest n prim-plan, Biserica Sfin]ii Apostoli Petru [i Pavel. The monastery precincts, view from the southwest Close-up of the Saint Apostles Peter and Paul Church.

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M~n~stirea Corbii de Piatr~

The Corbii de Piatra Monastery

The first document attesting to this monastery is dated June 23, 1512 but reliable information says that the religious abode was erected earlier. The Corbi church, built in rock, is inspired from the hall churches with two altars, each differently dedicated, characteristic of the 10th century Byzantine world. In point of architecture it is related to the rock-cut churches of Cappadocia but the double altar connected to a single nave is distinctive for Romania. In 1512, the abode was reopened as a princely monastery dedicated to The Dormition of the Virgin by Prince Neagoe Basarab. In the first half of the 18th century, it became a church independent from the monastery, and in the early 19th century it acquired the present looks. In the last ten years, under the care of His Holiness Calinic Argesanul, the abode resumed its monastic life after a hiatus of more than 200 years.

Stnca [i intrarea n biserica rupestr~ The rock and the entrance to the rock church

Primul document ce atest~ existen]a acestei m~n~stiri este datat 23 iunie 1512, existnd ns~ informa]ii sigure conform c~rora l~ca[ul de cult luase fiin]~ cu mult nainte de aceast~ dat~. Tipologic, biserica rupestr~ de la Corbi deriv~ din bisericile sal~, cu dou~ altare, fiecare dedicat unui alt hram, stil tipic lumii bizantine de secol X. Ea este nrudit~ arhitectural cu bisericile rupestre capadociene, ns~ altarul dublu, racordat la o singur~ nav~ e o caracteristic~ unic~ n Romnia. n 1512, l~ca[ul a fost renfiin]at ca m~n~stire domneasc~, avnd hramul Adormirea Maicii Domnului, fiind nchinat domnitorului Neagoe Basarab. n secolul al XVIII-lea, m~n~stirea devine biseric~ de mir, iar la nceputul secolului urm~tor [i cap~t~ imaginea pe care o are ast~zi. n ultimul deceniu, prin grija Prea Sfin]iei Sale Calinic Arge[anul, l~ca[ul [i-a reluat via]a monahal~ dup~ o ntrerupere de mai bine de 200 de ani.

Biserica rupestr~ Rupestral church

35

M~n~stirea Cozia

The Cozia Monastery

M~n~stirea Cozia Acuarel~ de A. Preziosi, 1869. Cozia Monastery Water color by A. Preziosi, 1869.

Numit~ asfel dup~ muntele din vecin~tate, M~n~stirea Cozia este ctitoria voievodului Mircea cel B~trn, din anii 1387-1388. Biserica mare, cu hramul Sfnta Treime, a fost construit~ n plan trilobat, cu ornamenta]ie bogat~, de me[teri din Moravia. A fost pictat~ n 1390-1391, dup~ sfin]irea ei la 18 mai 1388. A fost restaurat~ n 1517, n vremea lui Neagoe Basarab, cnd a fost construit~ [i fntna din fa]~, care i poart~ numele. n 1706-1707, paharnicul erban Cantacuzino i-a ad~ugat pridvorul [i i-a ref~cut pictura; tot el a ad~ugat cerdacuri cl~dirilor cu chilii din incint~. Pictura originar~ se p~streaz~ nc~ n naos. Catapeteasma (iconostasul sau tmpla) originar~, din lemn, a ars [i a fost ref~cut~ din stucatur~ n 1794. Cl~dirile au fost ref~cute de domnitorii Gheorghe Bibescu [i Barbu tirbei n anii 1850-1856, de cnd dateaz~ [i pavilionul de pe latura nordic~, fosta re[edin]~ domneasc~ de

Taking its name from the neighboring mount, Cozia Monastery was erected by Ruler Mircea the Old between 1387 and 1388. The big church, dedicated to The Holy Trinity has a trefoiled design and a rich ornamentation realized by masters from Moravia. It was painted between 1390 and 1391 after its hallowing on May 18, 1388. It was restored in 1517 at the time of Ruler Neagoe Basarab when a fountain was also dug in front bearing his name. In 1706-1707 cup bearer Serban Cantacuzino added the porch and had the painting remade. He also constructed the porches of the buildings with the cells within the precincts. The original painting has been preserved in the naos. The initial wooden altar screen (iconostasis) caught fire and burnt down, therefore had to be redone in stucco in 1794. Ruler George Bibescu and Barbu Stirbey rebuilt the complex between 1850 and 1856, the period from which

Vedere aerian~ dinspre sud a m~n~stirii Birds eye view of the monastery seen from the south

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38

Biserica bolni]ei cu hramul

Sfin]ii Apostoli
Fa]ada sudic~. The church infirmary, dedicated to the Holy Apostles The southern faade.

var~. ntregul complex a fost restaurat n ntregime n anii 1958-1962, lucr~rile continund [i dup~ 1970. M~n~stirea are dou~ paraclise Adormirea Maicii Domnului (1583) [i Duminica Tuturor Sfin]ilor (1710) [i, n apropiere, este amplasat~ biserica bolni]ei, Sfin]ii Apostoli (1543). n pronaosul bisericii se afl~ mormntul voievodului Mircea cel B~trn [i cel al monahiei Teofana, mama lui Mihai Viteazul. Muzeul m~n~stirii con]ine valoroase obiecte [i podoabe de cult, tip~rituri vechi, printre care un epitaf din 1396, Evanghelia mitropolitului Varlaam (1644) [i Psaltirea n versuri a lui Dosoftei (1673).

Vedere general~ a m~n~stirii Imagine dinspre est, de pe malul stng al Oltului. General view of the monastery Image from the east, from the left bank of the Olt river.

also dates the pavilion on the northern wing, the Rulers former summer residence. The whole compound was fully restored between 1958 and 1962, the works continuing after 1970. The monastery has two chapels The Dormition (1583) and All Saints Sunday (1710) and close by stands the church of the infirmary, The Holy Apostles (1543). The tomb of Ruler Mircea the Old and of nun Teofana, mother of Ruler Michael the Brave lies in the church pronaos. The monastery museum contains valuable religious items and decorations, old prints, among which an epitaph of 1396, The Gospel of Metropolitan Varlaam (1644) and Dosofteis Rhymed Psalter (1673).

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Judecata de Apoi
Pridvorul bisericii, pictur~ mural~ pe peretele estic. Pridvorul bisericii m~n~stirii The porch of the monastery church

Last Judgement
The porch of the church, painting on the eastern wall.

Biserica mare, v~zut~ dinspre nord-vest n dreapta, fntna lui Neagoe Basarab (1517). The big church seen from the northwest On the right, the fountain of Neagoe Basarab (1517).

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41

Na[terea lui Iisus [i Prezentarea la templu

Dou~ icoane praznicare pe lemn, 1668 (muzeul m~n~stirii).

The Birth of Jesus and The Presentatiounto the Temple

Two wooden icons of religious feasts, 1668 (the monastery museum).

Voievodul Mircea cel B~trn [i fiul s~u Mihai

Biserica mare, peretele vestic al naosului, tablou votiv.

Ruler Mircea the Old and his son Michael

The big church, the western naos wall, votive painting.

U[i mp~r~te[ti, secolul al XVIII-lea; Bunavestire Royal Doors, the 18th century,
The Annunciation

42

Maica Domnului n slav~

Pictur~ mural~ n conca absidei de nord a naosului.

The Virgin in Glory

Mural painting on the northern apse of the naos.

Sfin]i anahore]i
Pictur~ mural~ pe peretele nordic al pronaosului.

Hermit Saints
Mural painting on the northern wall of the pronaos.

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M~n~stirea Curtea de Arge[

The Curtea de Arges Monastery

Biserica episcopal~, cu hramul Adormirea Maicii Domnului, a fost recl~dit~ de voievodul Neagoe Basarab, n anii 1512-1517, pe locul unei biserici mai vechi ctitorit~ de Vlad Dracul. Pictura a fost realizat~ de zugravul Dobromir n 1526, n timpul domniei lui Radu de la Afuma]i. Ulterior, Matei Basarab [i erban Cantacuzino au reparat biserica [i turnul por]ii. Avariat~ de cutremure n 1802 [i 1838, apoi de incendiu n 1867, biserica a fost restaurat~ n 1875-1886 de arhitectul Lecomte de Nouy (care a f~cut modific~ri, nlocuiri [i ad~ugiri) [i pictat~ de fratele acestuia (din vechea pictur~ din secolul al XVI-lea p~strndu-se cteva fragmente). n pronaosul bisericii sunt mormintele voievozilor Neagoe Basarab (cu Despina Doamna) [i Radu de la Afuma]i, ale regilor Carol I [i Ferdinand [i ale reginelor Elisabeta [i Maria. ntr-un pavilion de lng~ biseric~ au fost aduse, n anul 2002, osemintele Regelui Carol II. Cl~dirile de pe latura estic~ ad~postesc re[edin]a Episcopiei Arge[ului, paraclisul [i anexele m~n~stirii. The bishopric church dedicated to The Dormition of the Virgin was rebuilt by Ruler Neagoe Basarab between 1512 and 1517 on the spot of an older church founded by Vlad Dracul. The painting is the work of master Dobromir, achieved in 1526, during the reign of Radu of Afumati. Matei Basarab and Serban Cantacuzino subsequently repaired the abode and the gate tower. Shattered by earthquakes in 1802 and 1838, then by a fire in 1867, the church was restored in 1875-1886 by architect Lecomte de Nouy (who made some changes, replacements and additions), and painted by his brother. (Only a few fragments have been preserved of the 16th century painting). The church pronaos houses the tombs of Ruler Neagoe Basarab with Princess Despina, of Ruler Radu of Afumati, of Kings Carol I and Ferdinand and Queens Elisabeth and Maria. In 2002, the remains of King Carol II were put to rest in a neighboring pavilion. The buildings on the eastern side shelter the residence of the Arges Bishopric, the chapel, and the annexes of the monastery.

Biserica episcopal~ Acuarel~ de A. Preziosi, 1869. The bishopric church Water color by A. Preziosi, 1869.

Vedere aerian~ dinspre est i Birds eye view from the east

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Funeraliile Reginei Maria (iulie 1938) Patriarhul Miron Cristea l ntmpin~ pe Regele Carol II n biserica m~n~stirii Curtea de Arge[. Queens Mary funerals (July 1938) The Patriarch Miron Cristea welcomes King Carol II to the church of Curtea de Arges Monastery. Biserica episcopal~ Imagine din perioada interbelic~. Mormntul Regelui Carol I [i al Reginei Elisabeta Biserica episcopal~, pronaos. The tomb of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth The bischopric church, pronaos. The bischopric church Photo from the interwar period.

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Biserica episcopal~, turle pe pronaos The bischopric church, turrets on the pronaos

Paraclisul m~n~stirii, v~zut dinspre sud-est

Aghiazmatarul bisericii The holy waterfont of

The chapel of the monastery seen from southeast

the church

49

M~n~stirea Dealu

The Dealu Monastery

Vedere panoramic~ a m~n~stirii, dinspre sud-est Birds eye view of the monastery from the southeast

Este atestat~ documentar din 1431. Biserica, avnd hramul Sfntul Nicolae, este ctitoria voievodului Radu cel Mare din anii 1499-1501 [i a fost terminat~ de Vl~du] Voievod (1510-1512). Cu pere]ii acoperi]i cu pl~ci de piatr~ [i cl~dit~ pe piloni de stejar, biserica este un model de armonie [i echilibru al volumelor. A fost pictat~ cu vopsele de aur de Dobromir din Trgovi[te, n 1514, n vremea lui Neagoe Basarab. Pictura a fost ref~cut~ n jurul anului 1713, prin grija voievodului Constantin Brncoveanu [i, dup~ 1985, de arhimandritul Sofian Boghiu. Paraclisul a fost pictat de Ion Grigore. n biseric~ sunt amplasate [ase morminte voievodale, ncepnd din 1508 (Radu cel Mare) pn~ n 1608 (Mihai Movil~); n 1603 a fost adus aici capul lui Mihai Viteazul. Sarcofagele din marmur~ ale lui Radu cel Mare [i Mihai Viteazul au fost realizate de sculptorul Frederic Storck n 1912-1913. A[ez~mntul a func]ionat ca m~n~stire de c~lug~ri pn~ n 1863, dup~ care, timp de cca. 90 de ani, a ad~postit diferite institu]ii militare. A fost restaurat~ n ntregime biserica [i chiliile d~rmate la cutremurul din 1940 n anii 1955-1958, devenind pn~ n 1988 sanatoriu pentru c~lug~ri [i preo]i b~trni. n prezent este m~n~stire de maici.

Attested by a document dating to 1431, the church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas was founded by Ruler Radu the Great between 1499 and 1501, and was finished by Ruler Vladut (1510-1512). Having its walls covered in stone plates, and built on wooden pilasters, the church is a paragon of harmonious proportions. It was painted with golden colors by Dobromir of Targoviste, in 1514, in the reign of Neagoe Basarab. By care of Ruler Constantin Brancoveanu the painting was retouched round 1713, and then again, much later, in 1985, by care of archimandrite Sofian Boghiu. Ion Grigore signs the painting of the chapel. In the church lie six voivodal tombs, from Radu the Great, 1508, to Michael Movila, 1608. The head of Ruler Michael the Brave was brought here in 1603. The marble sarcophagi of Radu the Great and Michael the Brave are the creations of sculptor Frederic Storck, 1912-1913. The establishment was a monks monastery until 1863, and then for nearly 90 years it housed various military institutions. Fully restored (the church and the cells crumbled in the 1940 earthquake) between 1955 and 1958, it became a sanatorium for old monks and priests, in 1988. At present it is a monasteries of nuns.

Biserica [i incinta m~n~stirii, v~zute dinspre nord The church and the monastery precincts seen from the north

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M~n~stirea Dintr-un Lemn

The One Wood Monastery

Bisericu]a de lemn (bolni]a) din cimitirul m~n~stirii Vedere aerian~. The Wooden church (the infirmary) in the monastery cemetery Birds eye view.

Pe locul unei biserici de lemn de la sfr[itul secolului al XVI-lea, Preda Brncoveanu a zidit, n 1634-1635, actuala biseric~, cu hramul Na[terea Maicii Domnului. n 1684, erban Cantacuzino i-a ad~ugat acesteia pridvorul, iar n 1707 i s-a ad~ugat turla de pe pronaos. Din acela[i an dateaz~ pictura, executat~ de me[terul zugrav Constantinos. M~n~stirea a fost ref~cut~ [i completat~ cu noi cl~diri n secolele XIX-XX, iar restaur~ri [i mbun~t~]iri importante s-au f~cut ncepnd din 1955. n biseric~ se afl~ mormintele so]iei [i fiului lui erban Cantacuzino. Biserica-bolni]~ din lemn, cu hramul Adormirea Maicii Domnului, a fost construit~ n anii 1810-1814, pe locul unui legendar stejar [i pe temelia altei bisericu]e de lemn din secolul al XVI-lea. M~n~stirea are o valoroas~ colec]ie de obiecte vechi biserice[ti, ca de exemplu o Evanghelie din timpul lui Constantin Brncoveanu [i icoana Maica Domnului cu Pruncul, ferecat~ n argint, despre care tradi]ia spune c~ a fost g~sit~ n stejarul din care s-a construit bisericu]a de lemn.

On the spot of a wooden church from the late 16th century, between 1634-1635, Preda Brancoveanu erected the present church, dedicated to The Birth of the Virgin. In 1684, Serban Cantacuzino added a porch, and in 1707 the turret on the pronaos. The painting, made by master Constantinos, dates from the same year. The monastery was redesigned and completed by new buildings in the 19th and 20th centuries, and since 1955 it has been undergoing important restoration works. The church houses the tombs of Serban Cantacuzinos wife and son. The wooden infirmary church dedicated to The Dormition of the Virgin was built between 1810 and 1814 on the spot of a legendary oak tree and the foundations of another wooden church from the 16th century. The monastery boasts a valuable collection of old religious articles, such as a Gospel from the epoch of Constantin Brancovan, and The Madonna with Infant, wrought in silver. Tradition has it this icon was found in the oak from which the wooden church was built (a translation of its name would be the One-Wood Church).

Vedere aerian~ panoramic~ a m~n~stirii, dinspre sud-est Panoramic birds eye view of the monastery seen from southeast

53

Maica Domnului
Icoan~ pe lemn ferecat~ n argint, din naosul bisericii (secolul al XVI-lea).

The Madonna
Wood icon wrought in silver from the church naos (16th century).

Matei Basarab voievod [i Doamna Elina

Pridvorul bisericii, peretele estic, tablou votiv.

Ruler Matei Basarab and Princess Elina

The church porch, the eastern wall, votive painting.

Biserica m~n~stirii v~zut~ dinspre sud-vest The monastery church seen from the southwest

Bisericu]a de lemn (bolni]a) din cimitirul m~n~stirii The wooden church ("the infirmary) in the monastery cemetery

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55

M~n~stirea Govora

The Govora Monastery

Biserica [i incinta m~n~stirii, v~zute dinspre vest Imagine din perioada interbelic~. The church and the precincts of the monastery seen from the west Photo from the interwar period.

A fost construit~ n secolele XIVXV, par]ial de voievodul Vlad epe[, par]ial de Vlad C~lug~rul [i Radu cel Mare. Exteriorul bisericii (cu hramul Adormirea Maicii Domnului) este decorat cu un bru median pictat, iar ferestrele au ancadramente de piatr~ sculptat~. Pictura dateaz~ din 1711. Iconostasul este [i el valoros, cu icoane pictate pe fond aurit. M~n~stirea a fost reparat~ n ntregime de voievodul Matei Basarab n anii 1640-1645, n vederea instal~rii tiparni]ei d~ruite de mitropolitul Petru Movil~ din Kiev. La nceputul secolului al XVIII-lea au fost construite clopotni]a [i cl~dirile de pe latura nordic~, iar n 1775, trapeza. M~n~stirea a fost renovat~ n anii 1957-1969. n tiparni]a de la Govora, n anii 1636-1642 s-au tip~rit c~r]i biserice[ti n slavon~, prima carte de legi n romne[te, dup~ tip~riturile lui Coresi din Transilvania.

Erected in the 14th-15th centuries, it is the joint work of Ruler Vlad Tepes (The Impaler), Vlad Calugarul (The Monk) and Radu the Great, and is dedicated to The Dormition of the Virgin. The exterior of the church is decorated with a painted mid girdle, and the windows have frames of carved stone. The painting dates to 1711. The valuable iconostasis features icons painted on a golden background. The monastery was fully refurbished by Ruler Matei Basarab between 1640 and 1645 in view of having installed a printing machine given by metropolitan Peter Movila of Kiev. The belfry and the buildings of the northern wing were put up in the 18th century, and the refectory in 1775. The monastery was renovated between 1957 and 1969. The Govora printing house published religious books in Old Church Slavonic, the first code of laws in Romanian after Coresis printings in Transylvania.

Col]ul de nord-est al incintei, cu turnul-clopotni]~ The northeastern corner of the precincts with the belfry tower

57

58

Biserica, bolta pridvorului: Iisus

Maica Domnului ndrum~toare

Icoan~ din iconostasul bisericii.

Emmanuel
The church, vault of the porch:

Jesus Immanuel Madonna Hodegetria

(She who points the way) Icon of the church iconostasis.

Biserica, absida de sud a naosului: Sfin]i mucenici The church, the south apse of the naos: Martyr saints Biserica [i incinta m~n~stirii The church and the precincts of the monastery

59

60

M~n~stirea Hurez

The Hurez Monastery

Paraclisul m~n~stirii, v~zut din pridvorul bisericii mari The chapel of the monastery seen from the porch of the big church

Este ctitoria domnitorului Constantin Brncoveanu, terminat~ n 1697. Biserica (1690-1693), avnd hramul Sfin]ii mp~ra]i Constantin [i Elena, este construit~ n plan trilobat, cu pridvor specific stilului brncovenesc, decorat~ n exterior cu panouri dreptunghiulare, firide ornamentale cu cercuri [i avnd un ancadrament de marmur~ sculptat~ la u[a de la intrare. Pictura, de o mare valoare artistic~, pe lng~ scenele religioase are [i o galerie de portrete ale Brncovenilor, Basarabilor [i Cantacuzinilor. Catapeteasma este sculptat~ n lemn de tei [i suflat~ cu aur. A[ez~mntul a fost reparat [i restaurat n secolele XIX-XX. M~n~stirea Hurez mai cuprinde: biserica bolni]ei, ctitorit~ de Maria Brncoveanu n 1696-1699, bisericaparaclis, ctitorit~ de Constantin Brncoveanu n 1696-1697, schiturile Sfntul tefan (ctitorit de tefan, fiul domni-

A foundation of Ruler Constantin Brancoveanu, the construction was finished in 1697. The church (1690-1693), dedicated to Saints Emperor Constantin and Empress Elena is built on a trefoiled design, with a specific Brancovan porch, decorated on the outside with rectangular panels, niches ornamented with circles, and a carved marble frame on the entrance door. The highly valuable painting presents religious scenes as well as several portraits of the Brancoveanu, Basarab and Cantacuzino families. The altar screen is sculpted in lime tree and gilded. The establishment was repaired and restored in the 19th20th centuries. The Hurez Monastery also includes the church of the infirmary, founded by Maria Brancoveanu in 1696-1699, the chapel-church, founded by Constantin Brancoveanu between 1696-1697, the Saint Stephen skete, built by Stephen,

Incinta m~n~stirii [i biserica mare v~zute dinspre sud-vest The monastery precincts and the church seen from the southwest

61

Biserica mare, bolta pronaosului: sfin]i din calendar ( Sinaxar) The big church, the pronaos vault: calendar saints ( Synaxarium)

M~n~stirea Hurez Acuarel~ de A. Preziosi, 1869. The Hurez Monastery Water color by A. Preziosi, 1869.

62

torului, n 1703), Sfin]ii Apostoli [i Sfntul Ioan (1698). De asemenea, m~n~stirea cel mai complet [i reu[it ansamblu brncovenesc are o bogat~ colec]ie de obiecte de cult, unele datnd de la ntemeiere, precum [i o valoroas~ bibliotec~. La 20 iunie 1992, Sinodul Bisericii Ortodoxe Romne a hot~rt canonizarea, ca sfin]i martiri, a lui Constantin Brncoveanu, a celor patru fii ai s~i (Constantin, tefan, Radu [i Matei) [i a sfetnicului Ianache, uci[i la Istambul, la 16 august 1714.

the Rulers son, the Saints Apostles and Saint John Skete (1698). The monastery, the most accomplished and complex Brancovan ensemble, also boasts a rich collection of religious articles, some of them dating to the foundation days, as well as a valuable library. On June 20, 1992, the Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church decided to canonize as martyr saints Constantin Brancoveanu and his four sons (Constantin, Stephen, Radu and Matei), and counselor Ianache, all killed in Istanbul on August 16, 1714.

Biserica bolni]ei Peretele estic al pridvorului, cu pisania [i icoana de hram (Adormirea Maicii Domnului). The infirmary church The eastern wall of the porch with the votive inscription and dedication icon (The Dormition of the Virgin).

63

Voievodul Constantin Brncoveanu, Doamna Maria, fiii [i fiicele lor

Biserica mare, tablou votiv.

Ruler Constantin Brancoveanu, Princess Maria, their sons and daughters

The big church, votive painting.

Cantacuzinii
Biserica mare, tablou votiv.

The Cantacuzinos
The big church, votive painting.

64

Incinta m~n~stirii v~zut~ dinspre sud-vest The precincts of the monastery seen from the southwest

65

M~n~stirea N~m~ie[ti

The Namaiesti Monastery

Stnca n care a fost construit~ biserica rupestr~ The rock in which the church was built

Existen]a m~n~stirii este atestat~ documentar n anul 1547, n vremea domnitorului Mircea Ciobanu. A[ez~mntul era ntemeiat ns~ mai nainte, n jurul unei biserici s~pate n stnc~ (dup~ unii, fosta catacomb~ cre[tin~ n perioada roman~), n grota c~reia tradi]ia spune c~ s-ar fi g~sit, n vremea lui Negru Vod~, o icoan~ a Maicii Domnului f~c~toare de minuni, pictat~ de nsu[i Sfntul Evanghelist Marcu. Icoana respectiv~, ferecat~ ulterior n argint, se p~streaz~ n biseric~ [i n zilele noastre. Biserica rupestr~, cu hramul Intrarea n Biseric~ a Maicii Domnului, a fost l~rgit~ [i extins~ n anul 1843. ntregul a[ez~mnt a fost restaurat n 19181921, dup~ stric~ciunile grave f~cute de artileria german~ n 1916. M~n~stirea are o colec]ie muzeal~ cu obiecte de art~ feudal~ bisericeasc~ [i popular~ [i carte veche romneasc~.

The monastery goes back to 1547 as attested by documents, to the time of Ruler Mircea Ciobanu. Nonetheles, the establishment was founded earlier, around a church dug in rock (according to some a former Christian catacomb from the Roman times) in a grotto where tradition says that a miracleworking icon of the Madonna was found, painted by the very Saint of the Gospel, Mark. The respective icon, subsequently wrought in silver, has been preserved to this day. The rock church dedicated to The Entrance into the Temple of the Virgin was extended and enlarged in 1843. The entire abode was restored between 1918 and 1921 as it was heavily damaged by the German artillery in 1916. The monastery displays in a museum a collection of religious and folk feudal art items and old Romanians books.

Biserica semi-rupestr~ (fa]ada vestic~) Clopotni]a [i corpul de chilii cu muzeul. The part-rock church (western faade) The belfry and the cell building with the museum.

67

M~n~stirea Polovragi

The Polovragi Monastery

Fa]ada vestic~ a bisericii [i col]ul de nord al incintei The western faade of the church and the northen corner of the precincts

Dup~ cercet~rile istorice, vechimea acestei m~n~stiri ar ncepe pe la anul 1505. Actuala biseric~, cu hramul Adormirea Maicii Domnului, a fost ctitorit~ la 1645 de logof~tul Danciu Prianu, care a nzestrat m~n~stirea cu bunuri, nchinnd-o ns~ Sfntului Mormnt de la Ierusalim, ceea ce a dus la ruinarea sa material~. Voievodul Constantin Brncoveanu a r~scump~rat-o n 1693 [i a restaurat-o n 1703-1712, fiind pictat~ de me[teri zugravi din [coala de la Hurez. Biserica bolni]ei a fost construit~ n anii 1731-1732 [i conserv~ nc~ pictura din 1738. M~n~stirea a fost renovat~ la sfr[itul secolului trecut. Ea ad~poste[te o colec]ie muzeal~ [i un depozit de carte veche [i icoane cu valoare de patrimoniu.

Historical research has found this monastery to originate round 1505. The present church dedicated to The Dormition of the Virgin was erected in 1645 by chancellor Danciu Paraianu, who endowed the monastery with various articles but dedicated it to the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, which resulted in its material downfall. Ruler Constantin Brancoveanu bought it back in 1693 and restored it between 1703 and 1712, when it was painted by masters of the Hurez school. The infirmary church was erected between 1731-1732, and to this day it has preserved some of the paintings of 1738. The monastery was refurbished at the end of the 19th century, and now it also features a museum storing old books and highly valuable icons.

Biserica bolni]ei, vedere dinspre sud-vest The infirmary church, view from the southwest

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Scene din via]a Maicii Domnului Biserica, pridvor, pictur~ mural~. Scenes from the life of the Virgin The church, porch, mural painting.

Adormirea Maicii Domnului,

icoan~ de hram Pridvorul bisericii, peretele estic, pictur~ mural~.

The Dormition of the Virgin,

dedication icon The porch of the church, eastern wall, mural painting.

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Adormirea Maicii Domnului

Icoana mp~r~teasc~ n iconostasul bisericii.

The Dormition of the Virgin

Main icon from the church iconostasis.

Biserica bolni]ei, peretele nordic al naosului Picturi murale: Sfin]ii mp~ra]i

Constantin [i Elena, Sfin]i militari, nvierea Domnului [.a.m.d.

The infirmary church, northern wall of the naos Mural paintings: Holy Emperor Constantin

and Empress Elena, Military Saints, The Resurrection of the Lord a.s.o.

71

M~n~stirea Sinaia

The Sinaia Monastery

Biserica mare, vedere general~ dinspre sud-vest The big church, general view from the southwest

A fost ntemeiat~ de sp~tarul Mihail Cantacuzino, dup~ o vizit~ la m~n~stirile de la Muntele Sinai. n anii 1690-1695 s-a construit biserica mic~ Adormirea Maicii Domnului , pictat~ de Prvu Mutu, [i cetatea din jurul ei, cu chilii [i paraclis. Biserica mare, cu hramul Sfnta Treime, [i chiliile de pe laturile de nord [i sud au fost construite n 1843-1846. n 1896 s-a construit clopotni]a [i cl~direa muzeului primul muzeu de art~ religioas~. n anii 1898-1903 au fost restaurate cetatea de chilii [i biserica mare, prezentnd ca elemente specifice ornamenta]ia exterioar~ cu c~r~mid~ sm~l]uit~ [i ocni]ele cu picturi. n naos, pe peretele vestic, sunt picta]i Regele Carol I, Regina Elisabeta [i fiica lor Maria. n 1922, n incinta veche s-a amenajat cavoul lui Tache Ionescu, cunoscut om politic.

The abode was founded by Spatharius Mihail Cantacuzino after a visit paid to the monasteries on Mount Athos. Between 1690 and 1695 the little church was built (The Dormition of the Virgin) painted by Parvu Mutu as well as the citadel around it, with cells and chapel. The big church (dedicated to the Holy Trinity) and the cells on the northern and southern sides were put up between 1843 and 1846. The belfry and the museum building (the first museum of religious art) were constructed in 1896. The cells and the big church, with specific ornamentation of glazed bricks and painted niches were restored between 1898 and 1903. On the western wall of the naos stand the pictures of King Carol I, Queen Elisabeth and their daughter, Maria. The crypt of Tache Ionescu, a renowned Romanian politician, was arranged in the old precincts in 1922.

Biserica mic~, pridvor Pictura mural~ de pe peretele estic [i bolta. The small church, porch Mural painting on the eastern wall and the vault.

73

Biserica mare: detaliu din pridvor The big church: the portal, detail

Biserica mare: pridvorul [i portalul The big church: the porch and the portal

Col]ul de sud-est al incintei cet~]ii Chiliile, st~re]ia. The southeastern corner of the citadel precincts The cells, the abbey.

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75

Biserica Stavropoleos

The Stavropoleos Church

Pridvorul bisericii The porch of the church

Este ctitoria c~lug~rului grec Ioanichie, stabilit n Bucure[ti prin anul 1720, devenit n 1726 mitropolit al Stavropolei, de unde numele ansamblului (biseric~ [i han-m~n~stire) pe care l-a construit n perioada 1722-1730. Biserica ini]ial~ (a hanului), terminat~ n 1724, era o construc]ie n plan dreptunghiular. n 1730, episcopul Ioanichie a decis modificarea ei ntr-una de plan treflat, prin lungirea absidei altarului, ad~ugarea absidelor laterale [i a unui pridvor deschis pe coloane din piatr~ sculptat~ tr~s~turi specifice arhitecturii bisericilor m~n~stirilor brncovene[ti, ceea ce demonstreaz~ [i extinderea func]iei l~ca[ului la cea de biseric~ m~n~stireasc~. Biserica a fost restaurat~ dup~ cutremurele din 18521858, iar n 1861 a fost acoperit~ cu zugr~veal~ pictura mural~ interioar~ [i cu vopsea galben~ o mare parte din tmpl~, care ini]ial avea decor aurit. n 1904, arhitectul Ioan Mincu a ntreprins lucr~ri de restaurare a ntregului complex, reconstituind turla (ndep~rtat~ n 1841) [i proiectnd pe locul fostului han-m~n~stire (disp~rut n 1863-1871), actuala incint~. n anii 1999-2001 s-a restaurat tmpla [i dup~ aceast~ dat~ s-au ini]iat lucr~ri ample de restaurare a bisericii [i a ntregului ansamblu.

The founder of this abode was the Greek monk Ioanichie, settled in Bucharest around 1720, and turned Stavropole metropolitan in 1726, hence the name of the ensemble (church and innmonastery) he erected between 1722 and 1730. The initial church (of the inn) was finished in 1724 as a rectangular construction. In 1730, bishop Ioanichie decided to alter it on a trefoiled design by extending the altar apse, adding lateral apses and an open porch on sculpted stone columns, specific for the architecture of Brancovan monastery churches. That also proves the enlarged function of the abode, turned into a monastery church. After the earthquakes of 1852 and 1858 it was restored, and in 1861 the inner murals were covered with paint, and most of the altarpiece (initially boasting gilded decorations) was painted in yellow. In 1904, the reputed architect Ion Mincu started restoration works of the entire complex, remaking the turret (removed in 1841) and designing the present precincts on the spot of the former inn-monastery (demolished in 1863-1871). The altar screen was restored in 1999-2001 and afterwards ample works of restoration of the church and of the entire ensemble began.

Incinta de tip chiostro, proiectat~ de arhitectul Ion Mincu (1904)

The chiostro type precincts designed

by architect Ion Mincu (1904)

77

78

Biserica Stavropoleos Acuarel~ de A. Preziosi, 1869. The Stavropoleos Church Water color by A. Preziosi, 1869.

U[ile mp~r~te[ti cu Bunavestire Royal Doors with the Annunciation

79

M~n~stirea Surpatele

The Surpatele Monastery

Turnul-clopotni]~ [i fa]ada sudic~ a bisericii The belfry tower and southern faade of the church

M~n~stirea Surpatele Acuarel~ de A. Preziosi, 1869. The Surpatele Monastery Water color by A. Preziosi, 1869.

Biserica, avnd hramul Sfnta Treime, a fost ntemeiat~ la nceputul secolului al XVI-lea, ref~cut~ apoi de boierii Buze[ti, reparat~ n secolul al XVII-lea, apoi reconstruit~ din zid de doamna Maria Brncoveanu n 17031706, reparat~ [i repictat~ n 1815. Are o catapeteasm~ [i u[i n stil brncovenesc minunat sculptate. Din 1872 m~n~stirea a fost nchis~ pn~ la restaurarea din 1927-1935. n 1958-1959 s-au f~cut alte lucr~ri de restaurare [i, ulterior, de modernizare.

Dedicated to The Holy Trinity the church was founded in the early 16th century, remade by the Buzesti boyars, repaired in the 17th century, built in brick by Princess Maria Brancoveanu in 1703-1706, repaired and painted again in 1815. It features a beautifully carved altar piece and Brancovan-style doors. In 1872, the monastery was closed until its restoration in 1927-1935. Other repairs were undertaken between 1958-1959, when the establishment was modernized.

81

M~n~stirea Suzana

The Suzana Monastery

Biserica m~n~stirii Vedere general~ dinspre sud-vest. The monastery church General view from the southwest.

Primul a[ez~mnt monahal, cu o biseric~ de lemn, a fost fondat aici n 1740, de Stanca Ar[ica din S~cele, c~lug~rit~ cu numele Suzana. n 1840, biserica de lemn a fost nlocuit~ cu una de zid, care s-a d~rmat la un cutremur. Actuala biseric~, cu hramul Sfntul Nicolae, a fost construit~ n 1880-1882, n timpul stare]ei Natalia Perlea. Pictura n ulei este opera lui Petre Nicolau, ucenic al lui Gh. Tattarescu, restaurat~ n 1976 de Gh. Vn~toru. M~n~stirea mai are o biseric~ mic~, cu hramul Acoper~mntul Maicii Domnului, construit~ n 1911, unde se fac slujbe n timpul iernii.

The first monastic establishement featuring a wooden church was founded in 1740 by Stanca Arsica of Sacele, a nun under the name of Suzana. In 1840, the wooden church was replaced by a brick one which was tumbled by an earthquake. The present church dedicated to Saint Nicholas was erected between 1880 and 1882 at the time of mother superior Natalia Perlea. The oil painting was achieved by Petre Nicolau, a student of G. Tattarescu and was restored in 1976 by G. Vanatoru. The monastery has a small church dedicated to The veil of the Virgin, erected in 1911, where mass is said in winter.

Case monahale Col]ul de nord-est al incintei. Monastic houses The northeastern corner of the precincts.

83

M~n~stirea Tismana

The Tismana Monastery

M~n~stirea Tismana Litografie de Benesch Ladislau, secolul al XIX-lea. The Tismana Monastery Lithograph by Benesch Ladislau, the 19th century.

ntemeiat~ de cuviosul Nicodim (a c~rui chilie, n stnc~, se afl~ n apropiere), n secolul al XIV-lea, avndu-i drept ctitori pe Radu I [i fiii s~i, Dan I [i Mircea cel B~trn, M~n~stirea Tismana a fost sfin]it~ n anul 1378. A fost reconstruit~ ulterior de Radu cel Mare (1485-1508), p~strnd arhitectura specific~ secolului al XIV-lea. Biserica, cu hramul Adormirea Maicii Domnului, a fost pictat~ n 1564, repictat~ n 1735 (naosul) [i 1766 (pronaosul), ultima pictur~ fiind decapat~ n 1955-1956, cnd s-a restaurat pictura originar~. La renovarea din 1980-1989, s-a ref~cut, n forma sa ini]ial~, [i pridvorul bisericii. M~n~stirea are o bogat~ colec]ie muzeal~: icoane, obiecte [i c~r]i de cult, ve[minte [i fragmente din pictura executat~ n 1766.

Founded by priest Nicodim (who had a cell in a rock close by) in the 14th century, the abode was actually erected by Radu I and his sons, Dan I and Mircea the Old, being hallowed in 1378. Subsequently rebuilt by Radu the Great (1485-1508), it preserves the specific architecture of the 14th century. Dedicated the The Dormition of the Virgin, the church was painted in 1564, and repainted in 1735 (the naos) and 1766 (the pronaos), the last painting being retouched in 1955-1956 when the original frescoes were restored. During the 1980-1989 restoration works the church porch was also brought to its initial shape. The monastery has a rich museum displaying icons, religious articles, old books, religious vestments and fragments of painting made in 1766.

Vedere general~ a m~n~stirii General view of the monastery

85

Pila[trii arcului triumfal Picturi murale: Sfntul Estavie [i

Sfntul Nicodim.
The pilasters of the triumphal arch Mural paintings: Saint Estavie and

Saint Nicodemus.

Absida nordic~ a naosului Pictur~ mural~: Sfin]i

militari.
Northern apse of the naos Mural painting: Military

saints.

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Cruce cu picior lucrat~ n filigran, 1781 (muzeul m~n~stirii) Cross with foot in filigree, 1781 (museum of the monastery)

U[i mp~r~te[ti, Buna Vestire Royal Doors, The Annunciation

87

Sfin]ii prooroci Daniel [i Aaron

Fragment din pictura mural~ executat~ n 1766 (muzeul m~n~stirii).

Prophets Daniel and Aaron

Fragment of the mural painting made in 1766 (museum of the monastery).

Sfin]i martiri
Fragment din pictura mural~ din 1766 (muzeul m~n~stirii).

Martyr saints
Fragment of the 1766 mural painting (museum of the monastery).

88

Pomelnicul M~n~stirii Tismana, 1840 (muzeul m~n~stirii) The diptych of the Tismana Monastery, 1840 (museum of the monastery)

Adormirea Maicii Domnului

Fragment din pictura mural~ de la 1766 (muzeul m~n~stirii).

The Dormition of the Virgin

Fragment of the 1766 mural painting (museum of the monastery).

89

M~n~stirea Zamfira

The Zamfira Monastery

Biserica Sfnta Treime din cimitirul m~n~stirii Vedere dinspre sud-vest. The Holy Trinity Church in the monastery cemetery View from the southwest.

A fost ntemeiat~ de arhimandritul Elefterie, stare]ul M~n~stirii Ghighiu. Biserica, cu hramul Intrarea n Biseric~ a Maicii Domnului, a fost construit~ n anii 1855-1857 [i pictat~, n 1856-1857, de Anton Chladek [i Nicolae Grigorescu. M~n~stirea [i-a luat numele de la cel al so]iei unui negustor, care n 1743 a construit biserica mic~ din cimitir, cu hramul Sfnta Treime. n cimitir se afl~ mormintele a cinci membri din familia marelui istoric, publicist [i om politic Nicolae Iorga. Biserica mare, avariat~ de cutremurele din 1940, 1977 [i 1986, a fost reparat~ [i renovat~, n mai multe rnduri, la ultima restaurare (1986-1989), fiind nl~turate interven]iile f~cute anterior asupra picturii originare. M~n~stirea are o colec]ie de obiecte biserice[ti de patrimoniu.

The abode was founded by archimandrite Elefterie, abbot of Ghighiu Monastery. The church, dedicated to The Entrance in the Temple of the Virgin was erected between 1855 and 1857 and painted by Anton Chladek and Nicolae Grigorescu between 1856-1857. The name of the monastery comes from the wife of a merchant who in 1743 erected a small church in the cemetery, dedicated to The Holy Trinity. Five members of the family of the great Romanian historian, journalist and politician Nicolae Iorga are buried in this graveyard. The big church was badly damaged by the earthquakes of 1940, 1977, and 1986 and had to be repaired and restored several times, the last works (1986-1989) being made to restore the original painting. The monastery boasts a collection of valuable religious articles.

Iconostasul bisericii Icoane pictate de Nicolae Grigorescu. The church iconostasis Icons painted by Nicolae Grigorescu.

91

Sfin]ii Arhangheli Mihail [i Gavriil

Icoane din iconostas, pictate de Nicolae Grigorescu (1856-1857).

Saints Archangels Michael and Gabriel

Icons of the iconostasis painted by Nicolae Grigorescu (1856-1857).

92

Sfntul Nicolae
Icoan~ din iconostas pictat~ de Nicolae Grigorescu.

Saint Nicholas
Icon of the iconostasis painted by Nicolae Grigorescu.

93

Iisus Pantocrator
Fresc~ de Nicolae Grigorescu n calota turlei bisericii.

Jesus Pantocrator
Fresco by Nicolae Grigorescu in the vault of the church turret.

Sfin]ii mp~ra]i Constantin [i Elena

Fresc~ de Nicolae Grigorescu, n absida de nord a naosului bisericii.

Saint Emperor Constantin and Empress Elena

Fresco by Nicolae Grigorescu in the northern apse of the church naos.

94

Judecata de Apoi (fragment)

Pictur~ mural~ pe peretele estic al pridvorului bisericii din cimitir.

Last Judgement (fragment)

Mural painting on the eastern wall of the porch of the cemetery church.

Portalul cu pisania al bisericii din cimitir Portal with the votive inscription of the cemetery church

95

Introducere

Introduction

Hieromonah Iustin Marchi[ Selec]ie imagini [i legende Selection of the images and captions

Valeriu Cimpoeru Versiune englez~ English version

Alina Crc Imagini Photograph Credits

Dan Ioan Dinescu tefan Petrescu Mircea Savu Imagini de arhiv~ Archive images

Funda]ia ARTEXPO NOI Media Print Colec]ii private Concep]ie grafic~ Graphic Design

Ovidiu Morar (MECENA Consult srl.) DTP Roxana Enciu Coperta Cover Design

Adrian Sorin Georgescu (MECENA Consult srl.) Coordonator proiect Project co-ordinator

Arpad Harangozo Ovidiu Morar

NOI MEDIA PRINT B-dul. Nicolae B~lcescu nr. 18 Bloc Dalles, Bucure[ti Tel. 021 222 79 72 Fax: 021 202 91 82 E-mail: nmp@nmp.ro