Mănăstirea Bistrița Vâlcea

4.8(2,971 reviews)DJ646, 247116 Bistrița, România

Bistrita Monastery in Valcea is an important monastic settlement founded at the end of the fifteenth century by the powerful boyar family of the Craiovesti, in a spectacular natural setting at the foot of the Capatanii Mountains, near the Bistrita Gorges. Over the centuries the monastery was destroyed and rebuilt several times, and the present appearance of the great church bears the mark of nineteenth-century restorations. It has preserved the relics of Saint Gregory the Decapolite and once housed one of the first printing presses in Wallachia, making it a centre of spirituality and culture of remarkable antiquity.

Nearby are the Cave of Saint Gregory the Decapolite and rock hermitages carved into the cliff. The mountain setting and the quiet complete the atmosphere. Practical note: the monastery can be combined with a hike in the Bistrita Gorges and a visit to the nearby cave; it is active, so respect the customs of the place.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Mănăstirea Bistrița Vâlcea?+

Mănăstirea Bistrița Vâlcea is located at DJ646, 247116 Bistrița, România, in Horezu.

Is Mănăstirea Bistrița Vâlcea worth visiting?+

Yes — it holds a 4.8/5 rating from 2,971 visitor reviews.

Do I need to book tickets for Mănăstirea Bistrița Vâlcea?+

Popular sights can sell out — booking ahead online saves queuing.

What else is near Mănăstirea Bistrița Vâlcea?+

Nearby you'll find Mănăstirea Hurezi, Mănăstirea Arnota, Peștera Polovragi.

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Monastery

Mănăstirea Hurezi

Horezu Monastery, located near the town of Horezu in Oltenia, is the largest monastic ensemble in Wallachia and the masterpiece of the Brancovan style, which is why it has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Founded at the end of the seventeenth century by the ruler Constantin Brancoveanu, the monastery impresses through its architectural balance, the richness of its stone and wood carving and its ensemble of remarkably well-preserved frescoes, which include portraits of the founder and his family. Elegant columns, arcades, porches and fine decoration define this style, a synthesis of Byzantine tradition and Western influences. The complex includes the great church, chapels, cells and a valuable library, a testimony to its cultural role. The quiet setting at the foot of the mountains reinforces the atmosphere of spirituality. Practical note: allow time to admire the frescoes and painting; the visit combines naturally with the Horezu pottery centre, famous for its traditional ceramics.

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Monastery

Mănăstirea Arnota

Arnota Monastery rises in solitude on a mountain peak in northern Oltenia, above the village of Costești, in a landscape of rocks and forests that heightens the sense of withdrawal. It was founded in the first half of the seventeenth century by the ruler Matei Basarab, who chose this sheltered spot to also prepare his tomb, which lies today inside the church. The church preserves a particularly valuable carved iconostasis and fragments of wall painting from the founder's era, testimonies of early Brâncoveanu-style art. The road climbing up to the monastery offers wide views over the sub-Carpathian hills and the nearby limestone quarry. The atmosphere is quiet and fit for contemplation, and the monastic community carefully maintains the complex. Visitors who reach this place are rewarded with a blend of the site's historic value and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Suitable footwear is recommended for the access road.

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Nature

Peștera Polovragi

Polovragi Cave lies in Gorj county, near the village of Polovragi and the Horezu area, at the entrance to the spectacular Oltet Gorges, which separate the Capatanii Mountains from the Parang Mountains. The cave is one of the best known in Oltenia and impresses with its galleries rich in limestone formations, stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millennia. Folk tradition links this place to the legend of the Dacian god Zalmoxis, who is said to have dwelt here, adding to the aura of mystery of the cave. Visitors follow an arranged path, accompanied by guides who explain the formation of the cave and the stories of the place. The nearby Oltet Gorges, narrow and steep, add a striking wild landscape. Set not far from Polovragi Monastery and the famous ceramic workshops of Horezu, the cave is a fascinating stop for those exploring northern Oltenia and the sub-Carpathians of Gorj.

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