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Arnota

ARNOTA MONASTERY

 

Arnota Monastery lies in the village of Costesti, in the Vâlcea county, on the site of a former church. It was erected by ruling prince Matei Basarab (1632-1654), between 1633 and 1636. This monk monastery is consecrated to Saint Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The legend says that ruling prince Matei Basarab chose to build the monastery there, as he found shelter and protection in that very place at a difficult time, when he was chased by the Turks.

The church is built in a three-cusped plan, with apses, an open porch and brick columns. The mural paintings, among which the founder's portrait, were made by painter Stroe of Târgoviste in 1644.

In the narthex there are the tombs of High Chancellor Danciu (Matei Basarab's father) and of Matei Basarab himself, whose remains were moved from Târgoviste, where he had been buried in the first place.

The church was renovated in 1705-1706 by ruling prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, who added to it a porch with a belfry, and replaced the iconostasis and the front door carved in chestnut wood. He also ordered the painting to be restored, with special precautions not to damage the previous layers.

Between 1852 and 1856, the church was restored by prince Barbu Stirbei, who ordered its walls to be repainted, and its old cells to be demolished and replaced by new ones, made in brick.

Important restorations were also carried on in 1907, 1935 and 1954-1958, when the construction was consolidated and provided with sewage and central heating.

Arnota Monastery is one of the most important historical and religious monuments in Romania, famous for its architectural style, paintings and carvings; moreover, it bears the stamp of outstanding Wallachian princes, namely Matei Basarab, its founder, and Constantin Brâncoveanu, who restored and enriched its architecture and painting; the two historic figures have very much in common, as they both ensured Wallachia's stability and prosperity during their rule. Besides, they both encouraged the flourishing of culture in all its forms, including the foundation of a great many religious and cultural edifices which, fortunately, resisted the test of time, and can be visited today.