Stavropoleos Monastery

Mănăstirea Stavropoleos

A tiny early-18th-century Orthodox church tucked into the Old Town, renowned for its exquisite Brâncovenesc-style carved stone, frescoes and peaceful arcaded courtyard. It is a serene jewel of Byzantine and Ottoman-influenced art amid the bustle.

Things to do

• Admire the carved stone portal — Study the intricate Brâncovenesc-style floral and vine motifs framing the church's ornate entrance, a masterpiece of early-18th-century Wallachian stonework.
• Rest in the arcaded courtyard — Step into the tranquil inner cloister with its columns, roses and old tombstones set into the walls, a rare pocket of calm in the Old Town.
• View the interior frescoes — Enter the tiny nave to see the vividly painted Byzantine frescoes and gilded iconostasis beneath the domed ceiling.
• Hear Byzantine chant — Attend a liturgy or vespers to experience the monastery's renowned choir performing traditional psaltic Byzantine music.
• Browse the small book and icon shop — Look for hand-painted icons, incense and religious books produced by the community of nuns.
• See collected church fragments — Examine salvaged icons, frescoes and stone pieces from demolished Bucharest churches displayed within the monastery.
• Wander nearby Lipscani streets — Combine your visit with a stroll through the surrounding cobbled Old Town lanes lined with cafés and historic buildings.

Food to try

• Covrigi — Grab a warm, chewy Romanian pretzel from a street stand near the Old Town, dusted with salt, sesame or poppy seeds.
• Papanași — Try these fried doughnut-style dumplings topped with sour cream and sour cherry jam at a nearby traditional restaurant.
• Sarmale — Sample cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, a staple Romanian comfort dish served with mămăligă (polenta).
• Mici (mititei) — Seek out these grilled skinless minced-meat rolls with mustard, a beloved Bucharest street and terrace food.
• Caru' cu Bere — Dine at this ornate historic beer hall a few steps away for classic Romanian fare in a spectacular neo-Gothic interior.
• Cozonac — Taste this sweet braided bread swirled with walnuts and cocoa, often found around Romanian holidays and in local bakeries.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly — Cover shoulders and knees when entering the church, as it is an active place of worship for a monastic community.
• Keep quiet and respectful — Silence phones and avoid loud conversation, especially during services when nuns and worshippers are praying.
• Ask before photographing — Photography may be restricted inside the church and during liturgy, so check for signs or ask a nun first.
• Check service times — Visiting during morning liturgy or evening vespers lets you hear the famous Byzantine chant, but arrive respectfully.

Nearby

• National Museum of Romanian History — 0 km
• Old Town (Lipscani) — 0 km
• Cișmigiu Gardens — 1 km
• Bucharest (Wallachia) — 1 km