The Bistrita Monastery

Description:

Among homes of Romanian Orthodox faith and culture that ennobles the past of the country, Bistrita Monastery occupies a special place, being among the oldest princely foundations, home to the royal bones and memorable works of history and spiritual life of our people. Bistrita Monastery has lasted for over six centuries sheltered by wood surrounding peaks, facing - as all our places of faith and culture - history tests.

How can you get there?

Located about 8 km, in the western part of Piatra Neamt in Viişoara village (currently Alexandru cel Bun)

Facts

The inside of the Monastery has a rectangular form, being protected by strong walls of stone, with an initial height of about four meters, equipped with battlements and watch road that can be seen throughout their length. The main entrance is located on the southern side and is arched in a tower with three levels: a room with semi-circular arch, supported by two arches on the ground floor, a chapel dedicated to St. Nicholas on the first floor and an upstairs room, probably destined to officer that guarded access to the monastery. The chapel is painted and apparently had no previous painting, the whole atmosphere is created inside a beautiful iconostasis of the eighteenth century.

Miracle-working icon is considered the gift of the emperor Manuel II Palaeologus (1391-1425) and his wife Anne, to Alexandru cel Bun and Doamnei Ana (in 1407) as a token of gratitude for the good reception their son Andronikos had previously enjoyed during his visit in Moldova.  The Holy Icon was carried in most of the villages of Moldova during the famine of 1947.

A noteworthy piece that can be admired when entering is the great bell gave offered as a gift by Stefan cel Mare in 1494, weighing approximately 800 kg, adorned with an inscription in Slavonic and a beautiful coat of arms of Moldova, built as  heraldic signs of the  Western countries.

When can you visit it?

The monastery can be visited at sunrise and before sunset, in a decent outfit.