Curtea de Argeș Monastery

A masterpiece of medieval architecture, evoked in the immortal ballad of Master Manole, the Curtea de Argeș Monastery was founded during the time of Neagoe Basarab and consecrated in 1517. It is one of the most valuable constructions of church art and architecture, being included in the List of Historical Monuments in Romania.

Attracting tourists from all over the world, the monastery complex includes the monumental Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Agheasmatar, the Episcopal Palace and a beautiful 10-hectare French-style park. Subjected to several restoration works, the current form was given by the French architect André Lecomte du Noüy and the Romanian architect Nicolae Gabrielescu, in the second half of the 19th century.
Inside, the oil mural painting was executed by the French painters F. Nicollem and Ch. Renouard, as well as by the Romanian painter N. Constantinescu. The church is full of Christian significance, the 12 apostles being represented by 12 columns made from a single block.

The old iconostasis and some icons from the time of Șerban Cantacuzino, from the 17th century, are in the collection of art objects at the Curtea de Argeș Monastery. The monastery preserves paintings of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth, as well as the Gospel written in gold letters by Queen Elisabeth.

The narthex houses the tombs of the rulers of Wallachia (Neagoe Basarab and Radu de la Afumați) and those of the royal couples of Romania - Carol I and Elisabeth, Ferdinand and Maria.

The same monastic complex also includes the Episcopal Palace Chapel, where the reliquary with the relics of Saint Filofteia, the spiritual patroness of Argeș and Wallachia, is located.

Source: Archbishopric of Argeș and Muscel; Curtea de Argeș City Hall; Vidraru Mountain Association; https://visitcurteadearges.ro/