Hurezi Monastery is a beautiful place with exceptional Romanian architecture, which is worth visiting if you are nearby. The monastery is located in Romanii de Jos, Vâlcea County. This place of worship is the essential foundation of the martyr Constantin Brâncoveanu. Hurezi Monastery was integrated into the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and impressed with its richness and originality. This monastic settlement was noticed in the Balkans and throughout Europe, symbolizing Romanian architecture. An iconographic and mural painting school has been operating in this beautiful place since the 17th century. Scholars at the monastery’s copyist school also gathered here.
Hurezi Monastery – a short history
Hurezi Monastery was founded by the martyr Constantin Brâncoveanu between 1690-1693. This synthesis of Romanian art made in those times is notable for its originality, the mastery of lines and colors, specific to the Brancoveanu style. The monastic complex was built during a period of prosperity, peace, and cultural flourishing in Wallachia, during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu. This monument of the Romanian patrimony is located at the foot of the Căpățânii Mountains, being positioned at 570 m altitude, bordered on the east by Valea lui Neag and Coasta Mănăstirii.
The construction of the Hurezi Monastery was entrusted to the mayor Pârvu Cantacuzino, Constantin Brâncoveanu’s cousin, occupying the position of architect and painter. After his death, the consolidation works of the building were taken over by Cernica Știrbei. On the place where the monastery was built as a hermitage dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. According to legend, it is said that there were Strix (birds) who disturbed the silence of the night. For this reason, it is believed that the name of the place was given.
The construction of the Hurezi Monastery lasted from 1690 and lasted until 1697. Initially, it functioned as a monastery of monks. Greek and Romanian craftsmen painted the church. Among those who helped build the building are the Manea wadding, the Istrate carpenter and the Vucasin stonemason, all three of whom are on the porch wall of the large church. Also, the founder Constantin Brâncoveanu and his relatives are painted on the east wall, on the church porch.
Over time, Hurezi Monastery has undergone consolidation work. The first of this type was between 1734-1735 when Dionisie Bălcescu was in charge of the monastery. The building was also affected by the earthquake of 1738 and the Turkish-Austrian and Russian-Turkish wars of 1716-1718 and 1787-1789. Grigore Brâncoveanu continued to work on the extension of the site, and in 1827 the roof of the building was modified.
In the first half of the 19th century, works were undertaken in the style of neoclassical architecture: the erection of the bell tower, the construction of new pavilions, the extension of the Royal House to the south with an annex. The fountain was built in 1838. The monastery also functioned as a hospital, a floor being arranged for this purpose. In 1862, the monastery was transformed from a settlement for monks into a nunnery.
Hurezi Monastery – architecture
The architecture of the Hurezi monastery impresses through the Brancoveanu style, simple and full of originality. This complex consists of several buildings: the monastery itself (1696), the Hermitage of the Holy Apostles (1698) and the Hermitage of St. Stephen (1703). In addition, other annexes and buildings have been added.
Hurezi Monastery consists of two premises. The first room, the outer one, is made of brick, with an access gate and a two-storey building. The second enclosure has a rectangular shape and is closed on three sides with buildings, with ground floor and first floor.
The Hurezi Monastery impresses with its interior frescoes, masterfully and skillfully made in the years 1705-1706, the work belonging to the painters Preda and Marin. The large church is located in the middle of the second precinct. It was dedicated to the Holy Emperors Constantin and Elena and was founded by Saint Constantine Brancoveanu. The monastery’s chapel is located in front of the church, and the other consists of a square nave and a semicircular altar. Notable is the hospital, being built outside the high walls of the monastery, on the east side, being free of the narthex.
Hurezi Monastery – a place worth visiting
Hurezi Monastery is a place worth visiting. The construction impresses with its architectural style, full of simplicity and originality. Also, the worship site will give you a state of total relaxation, and you will be overwhelmed by the power of spirituality that is felt in that place.
If you are passionate about hiking or cycling, just a few kilometres away, you will find Băile Govora, an extraordinary place, where you can start on many routes to the Monastery from one wood or the Horezu Monastery. You can also choose to go to a wine tasting or relax fishing in the specially designed locations.
Hotel Simfonia, located in Râmnicu-Vâlcea, is ideal for traveling in the Vâlcea area. It is a pleasant, welcoming place where the harmonious combination of luxury, comfort, and elegance will delight the hearts of those it hosts. If you want to visit the Hurezi Monastery, Hotel Simfonia offers you the ideal accommodation, where you will have a dream stay.
Photo source Vâlcea Turistică
