Cozia Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Căciulata, Romania
Cozia Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in Căciulata, Vâlcea County, standing on the right bank of the Olt River. The complex includes two churches, a museum, and a bell tower enclosed by a low stone wall.
Mircea the Elder founded the monastery between 1387 and 1391, and it was consecrated in 1388; the founding charter also first records the town of Călimănești. Constantin Brâncoveanu renovated the complex in 1706–1707, adding the open porch in the Brâncovenesc style. Neagoe Basarab had earlier rebuilt the painting (1512–1521) and built the fountain bearing his name.
The complex combines Byzantine design with the Romanian Brâncovenesc style, visible in carved stone arches and painted frescoes. Pilgrims visit regularly to attend services and experience the religious life that continues here.
The site is open daily and stands near the main road between Râmnicu Vâlcea and Sibiu, with parking available nearby. The museum displays religious objects and textiles, while the souvenir shop is located in the courtyard.
The monastery was turned into a prison between 1879 and 1893, which prompted Mihai Eminescu to publish a fierce article in the newspaper Timpul on 12 September 1882. During the First World War it served as a stable for horses, and a report of 16 June 1916 records that the commemorative stone of Mircea the Elder was found badly damaged.
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