Le Monastère de Neamt

Site visited in July, 2021 during extended Balkan trip. One of the oldest monasteries in Romania. Located in northern part of the country in historical region of Moldovia (do not confuse it with current state of Moldova).

Neamt Monastery (in Romanian Mănăstirea Neamţ) was built in XIV century during the reign of Petru Musat (first stone church was built) but its current shape received in XV century by Stephen III of Moldavia (better known as Stephen the Great, rom. Ştefan cel Mare – you will find streets named after him in every Romanian town).

Currently it is a well known landmark and local touristic destination. There is a huge parking space just near the monastery. The whole complex, surrounded by walls is accessible by main gate. Inside there are two churches including the imposing Church of the Ascension of the Saviour, two chapels, the bell-tower with 11 bells, the Theological Seminary, local museum with religious art and some old printing presses. Inside the main church we can see the icon of Virgin Mary, painted in 665 in Palestina – this icon was a gift to Alexandru cel Bun from the Byzantine Emperor Ioan the VIIth Paleologul. The whole interior is covered with beautiful paintings, some of them are a bit dark due to smoke from candles.

Outside the monastery – on the other side of main road – there is characteristic round building – monastery library – considered to be one the most important in Romania. It …