The miraculous icon was painted by Luca of Iclod in 1681 using tempera on linden wood.
During the 1699 events, the icon reportedly shed tears for 26 days between February and March.
The original wooden church, historically significant to the monastery, was destroyed by fire in 1973.
The monastery complex now includes a large, modern cathedral designed to accommodate massive pilgrimage crowds.
Nicula remains the primary site of pilgrimage for the Greek Catholic and Orthodox populations in the region.
Nicula Monastery is a prominent Eastern Orthodox monastic center located in the village of Nicula, Transylvania. The site is best known for housing a 17th-century icon of the Virgin Mary, which was reported to shed tears in 1699. This event solidified the monastery's status as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Romania. The current church complex features a modern cathedral alongside an older wooden church structure. The monastery serves as a significant site for the Dormition of the Mother of God, which attracts thousands of devotees annually. It is situated on a hill overlooking the surrounding rural landscape of Cluj County. The monastery's historical icon was painted by the priest Luca of Iclod in 1681.
The elevated vantage point on the hill trail leading up to the monastery offers the best panoramic view of the cathedral and surrounding Transylvanian countryside.
Visit during the lead-up to the Feast of the Dormition in August to witness the large-scale candlelit processions.
The area can get very muddy after rain, so wear sturdy footwear for walking the monastery grounds.
Respect the silence and prayerful atmosphere inside the cathedral, especially during ongoing services.
Avoid taking photographs inside the church during religious services, as it is considered disruptive.
Open daily, but heavily congested and restricted during the major annual pilgrimage in mid-August.
Visitors must dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered; headscarves are traditionally expected for women.
