Bistrița Monastery

Mănăstirea Bistrița

A serene 15th-century monastery near Costești with rich history and access to the wild Bistrița Gorge. Nearby caves and mountain trails combine spiritual heritage with dramatic karst scenery.

Things to do

Visit Bistrița Monastery — Explore the 15th-century Wallachian monastery founded by the Craiovești boyars, home to relics of Saint Gregory the Decapolite.
See the Bolnița church — Admire the small 16th-century hospital church with valuable original frescoes tucked near the monastery grounds.
Explore Peștera Bistriței cave — Enter the cave carved into the limestone cliff above the monastery, historically used by monks to hide the saint's relics.
Hike the Bistrița Gorge — Walk the dramatic karst gorge along the Bistrița River with towering cliffs and wild scenery near Costești.
Trek to Arnota Monastery — Follow the mountain road or trail up to the nearby 17th-century Arnota Monastery, burial place of Matei Basarab.
Visit the Peștera Liliecilor — Discover the 'Cave of the Bats' with its ancient hermit chapel set high in the gorge cliffs.
Browse the monastery museum — View old manuscripts, icons, and religious artifacts documenting the monastery's centuries of Wallachian history.

Food to try

Bulz ciobănesc — Shepherd's polenta balls stuffed with sheep cheese and baked, a hearty specialty of the surrounding Vâlcea highlands.
Sarmale cu mămăligă — Cabbage rolls filled with minced pork and rice, served with cornmeal mush, a staple at Oltenian tables.
Tochitură oltenească — A rich pork stew with garlic and a fried egg on top, typical of the Oltenia region.
Fasting monastery meals — Simple vegetarian dishes of beans, pickles, and bread offered during Orthodox fasting periods near the monastery.
Țuică de Vâlcea — Strong local plum brandy distilled by villagers in the hills around Costești.
Brânză de burduf — Tangy sheep cheese matured in a natural skin or pine bark, sold at nearby mountain markets.

Local customs & good to know

Dress modestly — Cover shoulders and knees, and women may wish to bring a headscarf when entering the churches.
Respect quiet hours and services — Avoid loud conversation and photography during the monks' or nuns' prayer services and liturgy.
Bring cash for donations — Small offerings for candles, icons, and the monastery museum are expected and card payment is rare here.
Check road conditions — The gorge road and trails can be rough or muddy after rain, so wear sturdy shoes and drive cautiously.