The monastery was established on the site of a former hermitage that existed as early as the 16th century.
The revered Syrian Icon of the Mother of God is housed in a carved wooden frame and is considered the monastery's most valuable spiritual treasure.
The current church building was completed in 1866, replacing the original smaller structure.
The monastery is located in the vicinity of a natural mineral spring believed by some practitioners to have healing properties.
The site includes a cemetery where several prominent figures of the Romanian Orthodox Church are interred.
Orthodox Monastery Ghighiu is a 19th-century religious complex situated on the outskirts of Ploiești, Romania. The monastery is primarily recognized for housing the Syrian Icon of the Mother of God, brought to the site in 1958. Originally constructed in 1817 by local villagers, the church underwent significant rebuilding efforts in the mid-19th century. The site features an architectural style typical of regional Romanian Orthodox monastic traditions. A natural spring, known as the 'Healing Spring' (Izvorul Tămăduirii), is located within the grounds and attracts significant local interest. The monastery functions as an active monastic community for Orthodox nuns.
The main courtyard area looking toward the front facade of the church, especially when the surrounding flowers are in bloom.
Visit during the weekday to avoid large crowds of pilgrims who frequent the site on Sundays and religious holidays.
Consult the monastery bookstore for locally produced herbal teas and traditional religious icons.
Respect the ongoing monastic activities and prayer cycles by keeping noise levels minimal throughout the grounds.
Do not attempt to take photographs inside the church building during religious services.
Modest dress is required: women should cover their heads and ensure shoulders and knees are covered; men should wear long trousers and refrain from wearing hats inside the church.
