Barbu Monastery
✨ Short description
The Barbu Monastery, located in the village of Leiculești, commune of Tisău, Buzău County, is an important historical monument in the Niscov Valley, with a history that begins in 1664-1669, when the great captain Barbu Bădeanu founded the hermitage. It became a convent of nuns in 1871, on the initiative of Bishop Dionisie Romano. The complex includes the old church, dedicated to St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel, and a chapel built in 1996. After a period of decline during the communist regime, the monastery was reactivated after 1989 and today houses a small community of nuns. Situated in a secluded natural setting near Sărata Monteoru, the monastery attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and historical values.
📜 History of the location
Barbu Monastery was originally established as a monks’ hermitage between 1664-1669 under the patronage of Captain Barbu Bădeanu. Prior to this, in 1632, the vel-comisul Radu Mihalcea, from the court of Matei Basarab, had founded a place of worship on the same site.
After the law of secularization of monastery properties in 1861, the hermitage was transformed into a church of myrrh. In 1871, Bishop Dionysius Romano re-established the monastery as a convent of nuns, bringing 30 nuns from the hermitage of St. George Bozioru, which had been damaged by landslides. During the communist period, the convent was closed and the nuns banished. After 1989, the monastery was reactivated and the monastic buildings were rebuilt.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
Barbu Monastery is one of the oldest places of worship in the Niscov Valley and a historical monument of great value. The old church dedicated to St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel, dating from 1669, preserves authentic architectural and decorative elements. The chapel dedicated to the Source of Healing, built in 1996, adds a modern spiritual dimension to the complex.
🐉 Local myths and stories
The old church houses the icon of St. George, whose feast is considered to be the second of the monastery. Local legends speak of the generous contributions of the founders and the perseverance of the monks and nuns who maintained spiritual activity even in times of difficulty.
🗺️ What to visit
- Old Church: A historic monument, dating from 1669, with outstanding architecture.
- The “Fountain of Healing” Chapel: Built in 1996, it is a place of prayer and recollection.
- The cellars and ancillary buildings: Rebuilt after 1989, they offer an insight into modern monastic life.
📍 How to get there
Access to the monastery is from two directions:
- From Buzău: From the DN10, turn on the DJ100H towards Tisău, then continue on the DJ203G towards Leiculești.
- From Măgura commune: From the DN10 Buzău-Brașov, turn onto the DJ203G, continuing to the village of Leiculești.
GPS coordinates: 45.147°N, 26.620°E.
🔎 Things to keep in mind
- Accessibility: The road is passable but can be difficult in bad weather conditions.
- Code of conduct: Visitors are asked to be quiet and wear appropriate attire.
- Contact information: Phone 0238.894.858 / 0761.168.855.
⏳ Visiting program and Fees
The monastery is open daily, but it is advisable to contact in advance for details about the schedule of services and other activities.
Admission: Free, donations are appreciated for the upkeep of the complex.
🏛 Sights nearby
- Niscov Valley
- Monteoru Salina