Curtea de Argeș Monastery
Mănăstirea Curtea de Argeș
The 16th-century main church built by Wallachian prince Neagoe Basarab, its exterior sculpted like a jewel box, and the royal burial place of Romania.
The monastery's main church was built between 1512 and 1517, blending Byzantine and Ottoman-Islamic decorative elements. Its white stone walls are covered in intricate reliefs, and its two twisted spiral towers are instantly recognizable. They once appeared on Romania's old banknotes. Inside the church are buried Romanian kings and queens, including Carol I, Ferdinand I and Queen Marie. In 2017, King Michael I was also laid to rest in the new royal cathedral next door. One of Romania's most famous legends tells of the master builder Manole, who walled his wife into the structure so the church could be completed. Entry to the grounds is free, though photography inside the church may be charged. Dress appropriately when visiting.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 8:00–19:00
Nearby sights
- Princely Court & Princely Church of St. Nicholas
- Sân Nicoară Church Ruins
- Curtea de Argeș Railway Station
- Corbii de Piatră Rock Monastery
- Valea lui Stan Canyon
- Cozia Monastery
- Horezu Monastery