Agapia Monastery
Agapia Monastery is one of the largest convents in Romania, founded by Hetman Gavriil Coci (1641–1643). It is famous for the murals painted by Nicolae Grigorescu between 1858 and 1861, considered a masterpiece of Romanian art.
Key facts
Founded by:
Hetman Gavriil Coci, brother of Prince Vasile Lupu (1641–1643)
Patron feast:
Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel (8 November)
Community:
A convent of ≈300–400 nuns, one of the largest in Romania
Architecture:
Triconch plan, stone and brick walls; neoclassical style with an octagonal tower; a square enclosure with wooden porches and a bell tower from 1823
Don't miss:
- The "Holy Archangels" Church – painted by Nicolae Grigorescu (1858–1861)
- The "Nativity of the Mother of God" Chapel (1847)
- The wooden churches of "St. John the Theologian" (1821) and "Dormition of the Mother of God" (1780)
- Alexandru Vlahuță Memorial House
Notable figures:
Metropolitan Veniamin Costache, Nicolae Grigorescu, Ion Creangă, Alexandru Vlahuță, Calistrat Hogaș
Monastic life and education
The monastery is home to the "St. Parascheva" Monastic Theological Seminary – the only seminary for girls in Moldavia, carrying on the settlement's tradition of education and spirituality.
Contact and information
Address
Agapia stream valley
Agapia commune, Neamț County
Website
agapia.mmb.roStatus
Historic monument (LMI NT-II-a-A-10627)
Getting there
Distance
≈ 9 km from Târgu Neamț
Location
Agapia stream valley
Picturesque natural setting
Nearby
Close by: Neamț and Secu monasteries
Moldavian monastery circuit
Moldavian art and spirituality
Admire Nicolae Grigorescu's masterpiece and keep exploring the region with the Piatra Neamț cable car