Cozia Monastery

Mănăstirea Cozia

One of Wallachia's oldest and most important medieval monasteries, founded by Mircea the Elder in 1388 on the banks of the Olt. Its beautifully carved stone church and riverside setting in the Olt gorge make it a rewarding stop.

Things to do

• Visit the main church — Admire the 1388 church of the Holy Trinity with its intricately carved stone rosettes and Byzantine-Serbian architectural style.
• See Mircea the Elder's tomb — Pay respects at the tomb of the monastery's founder, the voivode who ruled Wallachia and resisted the Ottomans.
• Explore the frescoes — Study the original 14th-century mural fragments and later paintings inside the church narthex and nave.
• Visit the Bolnita chapel — Step into the small 16th-century hospital church nearby, prized for its well-preserved medieval frescoes.
• See the monastery museum — Browse the collection of old manuscripts, icons, and ecclesiastical objects held within the monastic complex.
• Walk along the Olt riverbank — Take in the dramatic setting of the monastery in the Olt gorge with the river flowing at its foot.
• Stroll the inner courtyard — Wander the peaceful cloistered courtyard framed by arched galleries and monastic cells.

Food to try

• Bulz ciobanesc — A shepherd's dish of polenta baked with sheep cheese and often topped with egg, common in this mountainous Oltenia region.
• Trout from the Olt valley — Freshly grilled or fried trout is a staple at riverside inns near the Cozia gorge.
• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, a Romanian standard served at nearby taverns.
• Papanasi — Fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and jam, a beloved Romanian dessert to finish a meal.
• Tuica de prune — Strong plum brandy from the surrounding orchards, offered as a traditional welcome drink.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly — Cover shoulders and knees before entering the church, as this is an active Orthodox monastery.
• Respect service times — Avoid loud talking and photography during liturgies and prayer hours when monks are worshipping.
• Combine with Calimanesti-Caciulata — The nearby spa resort just south makes a convenient base with hotels, mineral springs, and restaurants.
• Photography rules inside — Interior photography is often restricted or prohibited, so ask permission before taking pictures of frescoes.

Nearby

• Horezu Monastery (Oltenia) — 29 km
• Horezu (Oltenia) — 30 km
• Bistrița Monastery (Oltenia) — 30 km
• Curtea de Argeș — 34 km