Căpriana Monastery
Căpriana Monastery (1425) — founded by Alexander the Good, restored by Stephen the Great in 1471, last bastion of voivodal architecture.
Historical guided tour (1425-2024) + pilgrimage to Petru Rareș church + walk through Codrii Lăpușnei.
A must — one of Moldova's oldest monasteries (attested 1429), a royal foundation tied to Alexandru cel Bun, Ștefan cel Mare and Petru Rareș.
Căpriana Monastery (40km north-west of Chișinău, in Codrii Lăpușnei, Strășeni district) is one of Moldova's oldest monasteries and considered by historians «the last bastion of Moldovan voivodal architecture». The first stone church (Dormition of the Mother of God) was built under Alexander the Good around 1425. A 1429 document grants Căpriana princely-monastery status. Stephen the Great made repairs after the 1471 earthquake. In 1538 it was destroyed in Suleiman the Magnificent's campaign; rebuilt by Petru Rareș, son of Stephen the Great, in 1541-1545. Today — major pilgrimage destination, part of «Stephen the Great's Route».
- founded 1425 under Alexander the Good
- restored by Stephen the Great 1471
- rebuilt by Petru Rareș 1541-1545
- «last bastion of voivodal architecture»
- princely monastery since 1429
- in Codrii Lăpușnei forest landscape
- Petru Rareș church façade
- Codrii Lăpușnei in background
- stone with 1425 inscription
- old oak door
- courtyard with candles at service
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“What a lovely Monastery. We went during the winter and the layer of snow shows another level of beauty.”
“Not much to do around. But the actual monastery is beautiful and very well decorated and up-kept. Bit far from Chișinău but if you take detours in the way you will enjoy. There are servers parks and foresty areas you can park and enjoy a Picnic. Look around in the map as you plan to see what is of interest for you!”
“Visited for the second time and spent more time this time. Got to the evening service at 17:00 and its divine. The pics are the usual, nothing new. Its the atmosphere there that needs to be felted. P.s. no toilet paper in the wc so take with you in case of an emergency.”
- restoration ongoing on some buildings
- modest dress required
- 40km from Chișinău