Ambrozie’s Hermit

✨ Short Description

Ambrozie’s Hermit is a place of worship and spiritual retreat, located in the village of Breaza, commune of Năeni, Buzău County. The monk Ambrozie Rizea, also known as Tănase Rizea, lived in this isolated hermitage for over 50 years. After a life of hardship and manual labor, he dug his home into Piatra Șoimului, a rocky wall on Istrița Hill. Today, Ambrozie’s chapel is both a historical monument and a place of pilgrimage, despite its difficult access. The hermit lived a humble life, dedicated to work and prayer, becoming a symbol of Christian devotion.

📜 History of the Site

The chapel was carved by Ambrozie in Piatra Șoimului, an isolated and hard-to-reach location on Istrița Hill, near the village of Breaza. After training at Ciolanu Monastery and Prodromu Hermitage on Mount Athos, Ambrozie retreated to this hermitage, where he lived in solitude for 55 years. He worked for food, spent his days in prayer and fasting, and was deeply respected by the local community.

⭐ Importance and Uniqueness of the Location

Ambrozie’s Hermit holds great spiritual significance, standing as a symbol of simplicity, faith, and devotion. Recognized as a historical monument and pilgrimage site, it has become an important destination for those seeking a spiritual retreat away from modern distractions.

🐉 Local Myths and Stories

A Legendary Refuge – Before Ambrozie’s arrival, Piatra Șoimului was believed to have sheltered the daughters of Doamna Neaga and Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, according to local legends.
Ambrozie’s Modest Life – The hermit lived in simplicity, weaving baskets and working to survive. Locals admired him, and his story even moved Bishop Epiphanius Norocel, who was impressed by Ambrozie’s humility.

🗺️ What to Visit

Ambrozie’s Hermit – The place where Ambrozie spent decades in solitude, now a restored historical monument open to visitors.

📍 How to Get There

Access:

• From Năeni commune: Follow Năeni-Fântânele-Vârf (DC41). After Vârf village, drive along the newly paved road to a plateau where you can park. From there, walk 20-30 minutes on a footpath to reach the chapel.
• Alternative route: Take Buzău-Istrița de Jos (turn right at DJ 103R) – Greceanca – Breaza – Vispești. From Vispești, follow signposts to Cariera de Piatră, Releu, or Chilia lui Ambrozie. A 40-60 minute walk is required from this point
• GPS: N45.094542, E26.491892

🔎 Things to Keep in Mind

Accessibility: The road to the chapel is unpaved, and the final section is steep.
Recent Restoration: The chapel was recently restored by priest Mihail Milea, who helped preserve and enhance the site.

⏳ Visiting Program and Fees

Visits: The hermitage is a place of worship and is open to visitors interested in religious history.
Fees: There are no entry fees, but guided tours are recommended.

🏛 Sights Nearby

Church in a Stone
Thracian Tombs and Prehistoric Caves
Gruiu Dării Fortress
Pietroasele Treasure (Cloșca with the Golden Chicks)