The monastery was founded in 1466 by monks who left the main Putna Monastery to live in stricter isolation.
It was abandoned for nearly two centuries following regional conflicts, but monastic life was officially re-established in 1990.
The current main church was consecrated in 1994, built on the foundations of the 15th-century original hermitage.
The monastery follows the Athonite rule, emphasizing silence and continuous prayer.
It serves as a center for the preservation of traditional Byzantine iconography and Orthodox liturgical singing.
Many of the monks residing here have backgrounds in theology, medicine, and engineering before taking their vows.
Sihăstria Putnei is a functioning Eastern Orthodox monastery situated in the Obcina Mare mountains of the Bukovina region. The complex features a main church constructed in the traditional Moldavian style with characteristic thick walls and high-pitched roofs. It is an offshoot of the historic Putna Monastery, located in a remote valley surrounded by dense spruce forests. The monastic community maintains a strict ascetic life, continuing the tradition of the hesychast movement. The site includes a modern guest house for pilgrims and a small cemetery where monks are buried. The monastery is known for its quiet, contemplative environment, distinct from the more commercialized tourist hubs of the region.
The vantage point on the hillside trail overlooking the entire monastery complex nestled in the valley.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid crowds of weekend pilgrims.
Carry a light jacket even in summer, as temperatures in this mountain valley drop significantly.
Purchase local honey or herbal teas produced by the monastery at the on-site gift stall.
Do not treat the monastery as a sightseeing park; avoid loud conversations or taking photos of the monks without their explicit permission.
Visitors must dress modestly; women should cover their heads and wear skirts, while men should wear long trousers. Maintain silence inside the church and refrain from photography during active services.
