Founded in 1724, the Stavropoleos Monastery was part of a much larger architectural complex, which also included at a time a large inn, but by the second part of the 19th century most of the other buildings were demolished and replaced by newer constructions. Maybe it was a shame, but fortunatelly the monastery was still standing in the same place, with it's paintings and richly decorated interiors and it's solemn and impressive entrance. Those who come here in search of another type of experience than simply visiting the streets and modern buildings of Bucharest will discover, maybe with surprise, perhaps knowing that this is as it should have been, a place of worship, cultural landmark and example of classical sacred architecture. Surely the Stavropoleos Monastery is a place everyone will remember.
An stunning example of Romanian Renaissance - better known as the Brancovenesc style - with rich stone decorations, elegant carvings and perfectly proportioned shapes, keeping alive the classical manner of building churches and the sobriety and peace of everyday monastery life, the Stavropoleos Monastery is also a sight for art lovers due to it's Byzantine paintings. Not a large church by any means, but this mix of Eastern and Baroque elements and atmosphere is memorable. Most of what we see today, including the exterior frescoes and the tower of the church were rebuild and restored at the beginning of the 20th century, and the most recent restoration took about 20 years, and was finally completed in June 2012. And for those who want to attend an Orthodox religious service they must know that the church is open to all, and for those who come for the very first time at such an event it will be, no doubt, an experience to remember.
Photo: wikipedia.org
