Plumbuita Monastery
The Plumbuita Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox monastery located in Bucharest, Romania, with a history stretching back to the 16th century. Its founding is attributed to Prince Vlad VI Înecatul, though other accounts suggest Radu Paisie. Over centuries, it endured destruction and rebuilding, notably by Michael the Brave and Matei Basarab, with significant restorations in the 20th century. It is recognized as a historic monument by Romania's Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs.
Key Facts
- ›The monastery church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
- ›Its founding is linked to Prince Vlad VI Înecatul in 1531, though other ktetors are mentioned.
- ›The oldest known printing press in Bucharest was established on its site in 1582.
- ›The complex was burned by Ottoman troops in 1595 and rebuilt by Michael the Brave.
- ›Matei Basarab re-founded it in 1647, with the current appearance dating to this period and subsequent 20th-century restorations.
- ›It is listed as a historic monument by Romania's Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs.
Orthodox, 16th-Century, 17th-Century
Princely House, 1647 Kitchen, Bell Tower, Church Dedicated To Saint John the Baptist
MăNăStirea Plumbuita
Vlad Vi îNecatul, Radu Paisie, Ana, Doamna Chiajna, Peter the Younger, Mihnea Turcitul, Catherine Salvaresso, Michael the Brave, Radu Mihnea, Matei Basarab, Dionysius of Ioannina
Battle of Obertyn, Ottoman Burning of the Monastery, Rebuilding By Michael the Brave, Re-Foundation By Matei Basarab, 1802 Earthquake Destruction, Occupation By Imperial Russian Forces, Secularization of Monastic Estates, Restorations
About Plumbuita Monastery
The Plumbuita Monastery (Romanian: Mănăstirea Plumbuita) is a significant Romanian Orthodox religious site located at 58 Plumbuita Street in Bucharest, Romania. Its history is marked by periods of construction, destruction, and restoration, reflecting the turbulent historical landscape of Wallachia and Romania.
History and Development
Tradition holds that the monastery was founded in 1531 by Prince Vlad VI Înecatul, with some narratives suggesting Radu Paisie as the ktetor. The earliest surviving document mentioning the monastery dates to 1585, placing it under the authority of the Xeropotamou Monastery on Mount Athos. The complex suffered destruction when burned by Ottoman troops in 1595 but was subsequently rebuilt by Michael the Brave. A significant re-foundation occurred in 1647 under Matei Basarab, whose efforts largely shaped the appearance of the complex, which underwent further substantial restorations in the 20th century.
The monastery played a role in the early dissemination of knowledge, as the oldest known printing press in Bucharest was established on its site in 1582. Its history also includes periods of secularization, particularly after 1863, when it ceased to function as a monastery and became a parish church. The entire complex fell into disrepair before undergoing major restoration efforts between 1933 and 1940, and again from 1945 to 1957, after which it was re-sanctified as a monastery.
Architectural Significance and Current Status
The monastery is situated within an orchard and features a powerful surrounding wall dating from the time of Matei Basarab. Notable structures include the abbot's house, monastic cells, the princely house (considered the city's oldest residence), and the 1647 kitchen, which is the country's oldest structure of its kind. The church, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, is cross-shaped with a central dome. Although it faced periods of decline, Plumbuita Monastery has been restored and is recognized as a historic monument by Romania's Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs, continuing its function as an active monastic community.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Plumbuita Monastery founded?
One narrative suggests the monastery was founded by Prince Vlad VI Înecatul in 1531. Another version credits Radu Paisie as its ktetor. The earliest documented mention dates to 1585.
What is the religious tradition of Plumbuita Monastery?
Plumbuita Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox monastery.
What significant historical events have affected Plumbuita Monastery?
The monastery was burned by Ottoman troops in 1595 and rebuilt by Michael the Brave. It was also destroyed by the 1802 earthquake and later faced the threat of being turned into a prison by Russian forces in 1848.
What architectural features are notable at Plumbuita Monastery?
The complex includes a church with a cross-shaped plan and a Pantocrator dome added during recent restorations. The princely house, dating to Matei Basarab's era, is considered the city's oldest residence, and the 1647 kitchen is the country's oldest structure of its kind.
What is the current status of Plumbuita Monastery?
After secularization in 1863, it became a parish church and fell into disrepair. Following restorations in the 20th century, it was re-sanctified as a monastery and is now recognized as a historic monument.
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