Location: Horezu, Wallachia Map
Constructed: 1690
Description of Horezu Monastery
Horezu Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox monastery situated in Horezu, Wallachia region in Romania. Horezu Monastery was constructed in 1690 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu. It is famous for its Brâncovenesc style architecture (named after the founder) and well preserved frescoes of saints, Bible scenes and other Christian themes. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The layout of the monastery consists of courtyard surrounded by monks cells and other buildings. The center of the monastery is taken by a single church of Saint Constantine, first Christian ruler, and Saint Helen (his mother). Beautiful frescoes inside were made by Greek master Constantine.
The cries of the nocturnal birds of prey (Romanian
huhurezi), which were in the surrounding forests of the monastery,
probably gave the place its name.
The monastery was founded in 1692 by the then Prince of Wallachia
Constantin Brâncoveanu (1654-1714) and completed in 1709. Until 1862
it was a male monastery. After the monks were transferred to
Bistriţa, nuns came to the monastery. 48 nuns run the plant where
there is also a 50-bed rural hospital.
Built in Brâncoveanu style, the monastery has been a UNESCO World
Heritage Site since 1993. The monastery has been restored several
times since 1827 and is a listed building.
Description
Located on a hill, the monastery complex is
surrounded by two fortifications. The outer a smaller wall surrounds
the whole estate of the monastery with its hermitages. The second is
formed on three sides by buildings of different height and in the
east by a wall. The entrance to the monastery is on the south side
by a bell tower, which is equipped with a massive wooden door with
steel armored, equipped. The monastery church Sfinţii Împaraţi
Constantin şi Elena in the middle of the complex built in a cross
shape is 32 meters long, 14 meters high and was built 1693-1697. In
the vestibule of the church are some tombs, most beautifully
decorated with marble and provided with a carved cover for Prince
Brâncoveanu, but does not fulfill its purpose. The large iconostasis
is carved in linden wood and covered with gold.
The square chapel with an octagonal tower, whose windows are the
light source of the chapel, is located on the west side opposite the
entrance to the church and was built in 1697. The frescoes of the
chapel were created from 1705 to 1706 and are still in good
condition today.
In addition to the church in the monastery three chapels were built
outside the monastery. To the east of the monastery is the small
church Adormirea Maicii Domnului, founded in 1699 by Mrs. Maria -
the wife of Prince Brâncoveanu - also known as Bolniţa, which is
surrounded by a small ring wall. Here you can also see the ruins of
the former infirmary. About 500 meters north of the monastery is the
chapel of the Holy Apostles (built in 1698) and about 500 meters
west, beyond the creek Romani, the chapel of St. Stephen (built in
1703). Both are listed buildings.