Curtea de Argeș Monastery, Eastern Orthodox monastery in Curtea de Argeș, Romania
Curtea de Argeș Monastery is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Curtea de Argeș, Romania, built from dressed stone. The church has three apses, towers reaching about 25 meters (82 feet) tall, and measures around 18 meters (59 feet) in length by 10 meters (33 feet) in width.
Construction took place between 1515 and 1517 under Prince Neagoe Basarab. In the 19th century, architect André Lecomte du Noüy led major restoration work that shaped its current appearance.
The name refers to Prince Neagoe Basarab, who is also buried here. Visitors can attend services today and observe decoration combining Christian symbols with geometric patterns.
The complex still serves as a house of worship for Orthodox faithful and as a royal burial site since 1914. Visitors should behave quietly and dress appropriately if entering during a service.
An old legend tells of master builder Manole, who sealed his wife Ana inside the walls to stop them collapsing during construction. Twelve stone columns inside represent the twelve apostles and support the vaulting.
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