Ciuflea Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Chișinău, Moldova
Ciuflea Monastery is a religious building in Chișinău featuring nine golden domes rising above white stone walls in a Russian-Byzantine style. The structure, designed by N. Golikov, displays the architectural proportions and decorative elements typical of Orthodox worship spaces.
Construction began in 1854, funded by two Aromanian merchants from Macedonia who had settled in Bessarabia. This founding moment brought together Eastern traders with local religious communities and left a lasting mark on the city's appearance.
The monastery is named after the Ciufli brothers who funded it, and their graves are marked by marble plaques on the southern wall. Visitors can still see these inscriptions today, which commemorate the two brothers who made this place possible.
The monastery is located on Ciuflea Street and holds services throughout the day. Visitors should check opening times and wear respectful clothing when entering religious spaces.
During the Soviet era, while the Nativity Cathedral became an exhibition hall, this monastery retained its religious status and continued its worship functions. This made it a rare example of continuous religious practice at a time when many other churches were repurposed or closed.
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