It is the main Orthodox pilgrimage site in Transylvania, founded by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, where Father Arsenie Boca also lived as a monk.
About the place
The Sâmbăta de Sus estate passed in 1654 to Preda Brâncoveanu, who built a wooden church here. His grandson, Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu of Wallachia, replaced it with a stone church at the end of the 17th century, painted in 1766 by the painters Ionașcu and Pană. In 1785 the monastery was pulled down on orders from the Vienna court, leaving the church in ruins. Metropolitan Nicolae Bălan began rebuilding it in 1926 and the church was consecrated in 1946; inside you can see the votive portrait of King Michael I.
Today's precinct, with white arcaded buildings, ponds and gardens, was rebuilt in the old style and consecrated in 1993. The 'Metropolitan Antonie Plămădeală' museum, opened in 1996, holds old books and manuscripts, icons on wood, more than 500 icons on glass, vestments and liturgical objects. The feast day is 15 August, the Dormition of the Mother of God.
Good to know
- The museum is closed on Mondays; Tuesday to Saturday it closes for lunch from 13 to 14 (hours posted in May 2026).
- The Liturgy is daily at 7:30, and at 10:00 on Sundays and holidays; on the 15 August feast it is very crowded.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and leave the car in the free car park at the gate.
Opening hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9–13, 14–18 |
| Wednesday | 9–13, 14–18 |
| Thursday | 9–13, 14–18 |
| Friday | 9–13, 14–18 |
| Saturday | 9–13, 14–18 |
| Sunday | 12–18 |
Hours may change on public holidays. Check before you go.