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Căldărușani Monastery: a sanctuary of spirituality and reflection near Bucharest

Căldărușani Monastery: a sanctuary of spirituality and reflection near Bucharest

By Bucharest Team

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If you're looking for a sanctuary of recollection and prayer, we highly recommend Căldărușani Monastery. Located in the commune of Gruiu, Ilfov County, about 40 kilometers north of Bucharest, Căldărușani Monastery is one of the most venerable and remarkable monastic settlements in Romania. Founded in the 17th century, the monastery is renowned for its historical and spiritual value. Set in an idyllic landscape on the shores of Lake Căldărușani, the monastery is filled with serenity and calm, making it the ideal place for those seeking inner peace.

Situated in the middle of the peninsula that boldly plunges into the waters of Lake Căldărușani and surrounded by the famous Vlăsiei codru, once a place of refuge for outlaws and beggars, Căldărușani Monastery takes its name from the configuration of the land that resembles a calabash. The name is mentioned for the first time in a hrisov dated December 4, 1593, issued by the chancellery of Michael the Brave and refers to a village that existed here.

Căldărușani Monastery. History


The Căldărușani Monastery was founded in 1638 by the ruler Matei Basarab, known for his numerous foundations and contributions to the cultural and religious development of the Romanian Country. The ruler of the Mountains, in conflict with Vasile Lupu of Moldavia, passing through these parts, decided to build a stone monastery on the site of an old wooden hermitage. Originally built as a spiritual refuge for monks, the monastery quickly became an important center of culture and spirituality.

During the reign of Matei Basarab, the monastery benefited from numerous donations and privileges, which allowed for its continued development. The most fruitful period in the history of the monastery was the end of the 18th century, when, under the shepherding of Abbot Gheorghe de la Cernica (canonized in 2005), it became one of the main spiritual and cultural centres of the Romanian area. The monastic complex has undergone various transformations and restorations over the centuries, while maintaining its original essence and beauty.

Căldărușani Monastery. Architecture and cultural treasures

Căldărușani Monastery impresses with its architecture, which combines traditional Romanian elements with Byzantine influences. The main church, dedicated to St. Great Martyr Dimitrie, is a masterpiece of religious architecture, with mural paintings of rare beauty, realized by famous painters of the time.

The church has a trefoiled plan, with side apses and three spires, one above the nave and two above the pronaos and is architecturally related to the churches of Dealu and Curtea de Arges Monasteries. Adorned with a rich iconographic repertoire, the church was painted in fresco in 1638 and 1775, being repaired in 1817 by the monks painters of the monastery, in 1915 by Dimitrie Belizarie, and in 1942, by Cantini and Ioan Musceleanu. Only the votive paintings depicting Matei Basarab and his wife, Elina Doamna, have survived from the original painting.

Inside the church there is an icon of the Virgin Mary, the Wonderworker of Miracles, of great artistic expressiveness, as well as the relics of St. Gregory the Recluse, the Metropolitan of Wallachia, placed in a place of honor in a silver gilded reliquary with medallions containing scenes from the life of the saint, also a monastery abbot, who is celebrated every year on June 22.

In the porch of the church, on the right side there is the tomb of St. Hierarch Gregory the Discallied, Metropolitan of Wallachia (1765-1834), and on the left side, that of Ghenadie Petrescu, Primate Metropolitan of Romania exiled to Căldărușani, and later abbot for life of the monastery

One of the most valuable heritage objects of the monastery is the iconostasis, richly ornamented with old icons, considered true works of religious art. The monastery's library also houses rare manuscripts and books, reflecting the rich cultural and spiritual tradition of the place.

Căldărușani Monastery. Monastic life and spirituality

The Căldărușani Monastery continues to be an important center of monastic life, hosting a community of devoted monks. They devote their lives to prayer, study and work, maintaining the tradition of Orthodox monastic life.

The faithful who visit the monastery are attracted not only by the beauty of the place, but also by the deeply spiritual atmosphere. The monastery organizes numerous religious services and events, attracting pilgrims from all over the country and abroad.

Căldărușani Monastery. Tourism and community importance

Due to its rich history and natural beauty, Căldărușani Monastery is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors have the opportunity to explore not only the monastery complex but also the picturesque surroundings, taking walks along the lakeshore or in the nearby forests.

The monastery also plays an important role in the life of the local community, being a focal point for religious and cultural events. The monastery also contributes to preserving and promoting Romanian traditional values through various cultural activities and initiatives.

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