Caldarusani Monastery

Depart from your hotel & drive out of Bucharest to Caldarusani (~1h drive), panoramic tour on the way. The Caldarusani Monastery is situated close to Bucharest, on a peninsula, on the shore of a lake baring the same name. The location is scenic and is an oasis of spirituality. It was founded in 1637-1638 by Matei Basarab, ruler of Wallachia, who chose this strategic location for it; the whole area was at that time covered in a dense forest, known as “Codrii Vlasiei”.

Previously, there had been a small wooden monastery there, with just 9 monks serving. During an armed conflict with an enemy, Basarab ventured deeper into the forest and found it. He decided to build a church, with a rectangular defensive perimeter around it. The perimeter was actually formed by the houses themselves on three sides of it, and by an actual wall on one. The church possesses an important collection of 18th century icons and religious artifacts, along with a library which contains extremely valuable manuscripts (in Latin, Greek, Italian, German, French) written by the monks themselves.

There is a museum there which contains the most valuable items, including ten icons painted by the famous Romanian painter: Nicolae Grigorescu (who had studied at the monastery's painting school – established in the 18th century). The monks there are very friendly and willing to communicate freely with the visitors, giving them insight into their lives. A visit to Caldarusani is always exciting as it ends with a traditional lunch on the premises, cooked and served by the monks themselves. Return drive to Bucharest – end of tour.

Meeting/ Pick up point: The clients will be picked up from their accommodation.
Duration: Around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Start or opening time: at 09.00 am.
Languages: English, or another language: German, Italian, French, Spanish, if available upon client's request.
Includes: transportation in AC vehicle, professional guide, entrance fee to Caldarusani Monastery, a monastery lunch in a dining room of the monastery, one 0,5l bottle of water/pax in the vehicle, insurance, local taxes.

Meal

Drinks

Assistance or guided tour

Admissions

At 09.00 am