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Temples #3 in Târgoviște

Mănăstirea Dealu

4.8 · 3,780 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Mănăstirea Dealu, Aleea Mănăstirea Dealu 1, Viforâta 130004, Romania
Interesting facts
1

The head of Prince Michael the Brave has been kept in a sarcophagus within the church since 1603.

2

The monastery was the site of the first printing press in Wallachia, operated by Macarie in 1508.

3

The architectural style served as a model for the later construction of the Curtea de Argeș Monastery.

4

It is built on the site of a previous wooden church that existed before the stone structure was commissioned by Radu cel Mare.

5

The church facade features a rare stone-carved frieze, characteristic of late 15th-century Romanian craft.

6

The monastery served as a secondary residence for Wallachian rulers who sought refuge near Târgoviște.

Overview

Mănăstirea Dealu is a Romanian Orthodox monastery located on a hill overlooking the city of Târgoviște. Founded in the late 15th century by Radu cel Mare, it is considered one of the earliest examples of Wallachian religious architecture. The church is famous for its intricate stone carvings, heavily influenced by Byzantine and local artistic styles. It holds significant historical weight as the resting place for the head of Michael the Brave, a revered Romanian national hero. The complex also served as a site for one of the first printing presses in the Romanian Principalities, established by monk Macarie in the early 16th century. It remains an active monastery inhabited by an Orthodox community. The site survived numerous invasions and regional conflicts, undergoing significant restorations to maintain its structural integrity. It functions today as both a place of worship and a site of cultural heritage.

Photo spot

From the terrace area outside the main gates for a panoramic view of the monastery architecture against the valley backdrop.

Insider tips

Bring a scarf or shawl if you plan to enter the church, as modesty is strictly enforced.

Wear comfortable walking shoes as the ascent to the hilltop monastery involves uneven terrain.

Speak quietly within the monastery courtyard to respect the monks' contemplative life.

What to avoid

Avoid taking photographs inside the church interior without first asking for permission from the monastic staff.

Etiquette

Visitors must dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered; women are often asked to cover their heads.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1 hour
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a weekday to capture golden hour light on the stone facade without crowds.
Address
Mănăstirea Dealu, Aleea Mănăstirea Dealu 1, Viforâta 130004, Romania
44.958, 25.482
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleWallachian style with Byzantine influences
Key historical featuresTomb of Michael the Brave; 16th-century printing site

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a weekday to capture golden hour light on the stone facade without crowds..

From the terrace area outside the main gates for a panoramic view of the monastery architecture against the valley backdrop.

Close by you'll find Parcul Chindia, Chindia Tower, Mănăstirea Viforâta.