Podgoria Copou Monastery

Podgoria Copou Monastery is a religious complex on Copou Hill in Iași with a church built from traditional brick materials characteristic of 17th-century Orthodox sacred architecture. The site includes the main church alongside additional structures and sits on Str. Podgoriilor where it welcomes both worshippers and visitors.

The monastery was founded in 1638 by Moldavian Prince Vasile Lupu and initially operated under Greek abbots while answering to the Athonite Monastery of Karakalou. Restoration work in 1702 under Prince Constantin Duca brought significant changes to the building.

The monastery is dedicated to Saints Athanasius the Great and Cyril of Alexandria, whose veneration continues in the religious practices of those who gather here. Daily worship and monastic traditions shape how visitors experience the spiritual character of the place.

The monastery is an active place of worship open to visitors, though it helps to be aware of local religious customs and dress appropriately for a sacred space. Flexible timing works best for visits since daily prayer schedules and monastic routines structure the day.

An exterior wall bears a white marble inscription from 1702 recording the restoration work that took place, marking how this place preserved its own story in stone. The inscription offers a quiet reminder of how secular authority took part in maintaining sacred spaces.

Location: Iași

Location: Iași County

Inception: 1638

Address: Str. Podgoriilor, municipiul Iași

GPS coordinates: 47.19389,27.54806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40