Răciula Monastery · Mănăstirea Răciula
Răciula Monastery — site of 1959 anti-Soviet resistance (10 days of fighting, Simion David killed), on the 50 MDL banknote, restored 1989.
Historical tour with 1959 story + martyrs' cemetery + commemoration service July 2.
A must — the site of the best-known 1959 anti-Soviet resistance, when nuns and villagers rang the bells for ten days against the closure; nicknamed the "Vatican" of Călărași. Pairs with Hârjauca + Frumoasa.
The Nativity of the Mother of God Monastery in Răciula village (Călărași district) is the historic site of 1959 anti-Soviet resistance — one of the few direct confrontations between Moldovan population and the communist regime. On 1 July 1959, after a 10-day-and-night confrontation, 500 militiamen and soldiers led by a Russian general specially sent from Moscow violently closed the monastery. Soviets intended to transform it into a tavern to undermine faith; locals from Răciula and neighboring villages stood in the way with pitchforks, scythes and prayers. On 2 July, Soviets opened fire: Simion David, a villager, was killed in front of the cross, and 3 wounded. 8 youths were sentenced to prison for ringing the bells. Mother Superior Sephora was arrested. Summer church became a club, winter church a sports hall. Restored from 1989. The monastery appears on the Moldovan 50 lei banknote.
- «Răciula Case 1959» — 10 days of resistance
- martyr Simion David killed in front of cross
- 8 youths sentenced for bell ringing
- summer church turned Soviet club, restored 1989
- **on 50 MDL banknote**
- anti-Soviet martyrs' cemetery
- cross where Simion David was killed
- martyrs' cemetery
- 50 lei banknote with monastery
- restored tower
- 1959 commemorative plaque
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“Another nice womans' Monastery in Moldova.”
“Nice place to visit with good people and beautiful sites”
“great monastery !!!”
- modest dress required
- rural — uncertain road after rain
- ~1.5h from Chișinău