Bistrița Monastery, Orthodox monastery in Costești, Romania
Bistrița Monastery is an Orthodox religious community in Costești that sits in a river valley with traditional Romanian architecture featuring white walls and substantial stone foundations. The complex includes a church, residential quarters, and utility buildings arranged around a central courtyard.
The monastery was founded in 1492 by the Craiovești family and suffered destruction in 1509 during regional conflicts. It was rebuilt and reshaped during the rule of Neagoe Basarab, becoming an important religious site once more.
The monastery served as a center for early Romanian scholarly work and manuscript production by its monastic community. This role made it an important place where religious knowledge was preserved and transmitted to other Orthodox communities.
The monastery is open to visitors on most days, though it is best to avoid times when religious services are taking place. Wearing respectful clothing and moving quietly through the grounds helps maintain the peaceful character of this active place of worship.
The monastery houses relics of Saint Gregory of Dekapolis that were brought from Constantinople centuries ago. These sacred remains are kept in a silver reliquary that demonstrates the spiritual importance pilgrims and patrons attached to this site.
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