Some of the most beautiful churches in the world are located in Romania, might not be the most impressive in terms of size but their personality and unique features should place them on the map!

Curtea de Arges Monastery

The building was finished in 1517 and is the site of many legends. It is said that the ruler himself was the architect of the project after being an architect in the Ottoman Empire. Or the legend that says that the main person in charge of the construction of the building had to sacrifice his own wife to build this church by placing her in the foundation of the building. It is hard to get to the truth, but what we know for sure is that it withstood the test of time.

Location: Google Maps

Arbore Church

One of the famous Painted Monasteries of Bucovina had its painting removed by the Ottomans and left to crumble for 100 years without a roof by the Austrian-Hungarian Empire. The church was finished in 1502, and it is said that during the reign of Moldavia’s voivode, Petru Rareș, a divine sign occurred when a white stag led them to a serene forest location. The ruler Petru Rares interpreted this as a calling from God to build Arbore Monastery, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, which became a spiritual center in medieval Moldavia.

Location: Google Maps

Biertan Fortified Church

One of the fortified churches in Transylvania, a Lutheran church, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the fortified churches that is most frequently photographed because it can be seen from the nearby hills, looks amazing, and is extremely well preserved. One of Dracula’s favorite stories about this place is the function of the bell tower.

In Biertan, couples that wanted to divorce were placed in a small cell by the local priest for six weeks. Inside, they had to share everyday items like a single spoon, a lone plate, and just one pillow. What’s truly remarkable is that, over the course of approximately 300 years, only a single divorce was ever documented in the village.

Location: Google Maps

Densus Church

The first documentary mention of the church dates from 1360, but due to it being built from fragments of older buildings, we do not know the exact year of construction. The church is constructed in a Byzantine style, measuring 30 meters in length and 18 meters in width. Its walls are made of bricks, columns, and statues from Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, the old Roman capital of the Dacian Kingdom they had conquered.

The church’s origins have sparked more creative theories, including one that suggests it was initially a Dacian temple honoring Zamolxis, later repurposed by Romans who built a temple for Mars on the same site. This is less historically accurate, but still interesting nonetheless.

Location: Google Maps

Barsana Monastery

The church in the image below was built in the early 1990s as part of a larger complex and stands 57 meters tall. Nearby is an entire monastic complex with beautifully crafted buildings. There is a UNESCO heritage site nearby with the old church, which has really old art pieces and was built in 1711. The uniqueness stands in the whole complex together and how it showcases the wooden monasteries from the Maramures area.

Location: Google Maps

Dracula loves Bucovina!

Or if you like art:

4 responses to “Unique Churches in Romania (Part 1)”

  1. […] For me, the ‘toaca’ makes me think of the spiritual nature of Romania, hidden monasteries in the mountains, a place of peace and quiet, away from the distraction of modern-day society. Just know that not all monasteries are in the mountains, and there are some really nice ones in the steppes. (a couple unique churches) […]

    Like

  2. […] – Masterpieces of the Street (Part 2) Romanian Food by haanpc on Instagram Unique Churches in Romania (Part 1) Romanian Comedians with English […]

    Like

  3. […] – What makes Romanians happy! (Part 2) Best Documentaries about Romania (Part 1) Unique Churches in Romania (Part 1) Oradea – 10 accomodations for a great trip What are the most picturesque villages in […]

    Like

  4. […] National Geographic – Guide to Bucharest – Dracula Review Unique Churches in Romania (Part 1) What is Coliva? Why does Romania have a […]

    Like

Leave a comment