Chiajna Monastery
Chiajna Monastery is a ruined church on the outskirts of Bucharest, Romania, known for its numerous legends and its status as a national heritage site. Construction began during the late 18th century under Phanariote rulers and was intended to be a significant place of worship, but it was abandoned due to plague and never fully consecrated. Despite its ruined state, efforts are underway for its restoration, and it remains a subject of local folklore.
Key Facts
- ›Construction began during the reign of Alexander Ypsilanti (1774–1782) and was completed between 1786 and 1790.
- ›It was built in neoclassical style and was considered very large for its time.
- ›The monastery was abandoned during a plague and never fully consecrated.
- ›Its tower collapsed during the 1977 earthquake.
- ›The site is the subject of numerous legends, including stories of curses and disappearances.
- ›Restoration plans are in place, and the site is accessible to the public.
Neoclassical
Legends of Curses, Plaster Formation Resembling A Lady Or Sphinx, Collapsed Tower
Alexander Ypsilanti, Nicholas Mavrogenes, Mihai SuțU
Abandoned During Plague, Tower Collapse During 1977 Earthquake
About Chiajna Monastery
Chiajna Monastery is a ruined church located on the outskirts of Bucharest, Romania, recognized as a national heritage site and the subject of numerous local legends. Its construction commenced during the Phanariote period, with work initiated under Prince Alexander Ypsilanti and completed during the rule of Prince Nicholas Mavrogenes in the late 18th century.
History and Construction
The monastery was intended to be a significant religious edifice, built in a neoclassical style with dimensions considered very large for its era, featuring walls 1 to 2 meters thick. Construction was carried out between approximately 1786 and 1790. However, the church was abandoned due to a plague and never fully consecrated, a fate that prevented it from becoming a major place of worship as originally envisioned.
Legends and Folklore
Chiajna Monastery is deeply entwined with local folklore, with tales suggesting it is cursed. Legends recount that the church was bombarded by the Turks before its consecration, believing it to be a military target, which led to the burning of its documents. Other stories claim its great bell was cast into the Dâmbovița River and is heard pounding on full moon nights. A notable feature on its walls is a plaster formation that some interpret as a lady or an angel, bearing a resemblance to the Sphinx. Over the years, the site has also been associated with reported disappearances and murders.
Present Day
The monastery's ruin is situated in a location impacted by nearby infrastructural development, such as the Bucharest-Craiova railway and airport approach path, which contribute to its degradation. Despite its current state, some architects believe restoration is feasible. In 2011, the church reclaimed the site, and restoration plans have been initiated. The area is now secured by a fence, but access remains open to the public.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Chiajna Monastery built?
Construction of Chiajna Monastery began during the reign of Alexander Ypsilanti, likely between 1774 and 1782. The structure was completed between April 1786 and September 1790 under Prince Nicholas Mavrogenes.
Why was Chiajna Monastery abandoned?
The monastery was abandoned due to a plague during the reign of Alexander Ypsilanti. Some accounts also suggest work was abandoned during a plague under Prince Mihai Suțu.
What are some of the legends surrounding Chiajna Monastery?
Legends claim the church was bombarded by Turks before consecration, that its bell can be heard pounding on full moon nights, and that plaster formations on its walls resemble a lady or the Sphinx. Disappearances and murders have also been reported in connection with the monastery over the years.
What is the current status of Chiajna Monastery?
Chiajna Monastery is currently a ruin and a national heritage site. While the tower collapsed in a 1977 earthquake, restoration plans are in place, and the site is fenced but accessible to the public.
What architectural style is Chiajna Monastery?
Chiajna Monastery was built in the neoclassical style. It was noted for its considerable size, with walls measuring 1 to 2 meters thick.
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