Alunis Church
✨ Short description
The Aluniș cave church, dating back to 1274, is one of the oldest Christian places of worship in Romania, where services are still celebrated. Carved into the rock by two shepherds, according to legend, the church is dedicated to the ‘Cutting of the Head of St. John the Baptist’. The complex includes monastic cells and historical inscriptions and is a focal point of the rock settlements in the Buzău Mountains. Relatively easy accessibility makes Aluniș an ideal place for cultural and spiritual exploration.
📜 History of the location
Aluniș Church was founded in 1274 by two shepherds, Simion and Vlad, at the behest of an angel who appeared in a dream. Their names are inscribed on the altar. Documented in 1351, the church functioned as a hermitage until 1871, when it became a church of myrrh. Between 1840-1850 the village built the wooden porch of the church.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
The church of Aluniș is entirely excavated in Kliwa sandstone and has compact dimensions (8.80 m long, 4 m wide, 2.80 m high). The oak wooden ceiling, with icons painted on zinc sheeting, dates from 1870. It is one of the oldest cave churches in Romania, still functional, and an emblem of Romanian spirituality.
🐉 Local myths and stories
According to legend, shepherds discovered the icon of the Mother of God while digging the rock, interpreted as a divine sign for the construction of the church. It preserves the symbols of faith from the period of the spread of Christianity.
🗺️ What to visit
- The cave church: A rock-hewn shrine with a vaulted ceiling and windows for natural lighting.
- The monastic cellars: Three rock-hewn cells marked by crosses and carved icons.
- The wooden porch: Added in the 19th century, it provides access to the nave and altar.
📍 How to get there
Access is on the DN 10 (Buzău-Brașov), in the direction of Pătârlagele, then Colți, following the signpost to Aluniș. The road becomes difficult in the last part, but is accessible by car.
🔎Things to keep in mind
- Code of conduct: Visitors are asked to keep quiet and respect the sacred specificity of the site.
- Accessibility: Suitable for cars, but the final route may be difficult in bad weather conditions.
- Equipment: Appropriate footwear is recommended for exploring the surrounding chilias.
⏳ Visiting hours and Fees
The church is open daily and religious services offer moments of spirituality for visitors.
Entrance is free, but donations are welcome for the upkeep of the site.