Berca Monastery
✨ Short description
The monastery-citadel of Berca, built in 1694 by the squire Mihalcea Cândescu and his wife Alexandrina Cantacuzino, is an impressive Brancovanesque ensemble, situated on a hilltop in the locality of Berca. Designed as a medieval fortress, the monastery served both religious and defensive purposes. Recent restorations have turned it into a place of tourist interest, but have sparked controversy over the preservation of original features. The church is decorated with paintings by the famous Pârvu Mutu. Other nearby attractions include the Muddy Volcanoes and Rătești Monastery.
📜 History of the location
The monastery-citadel of Berca was built in 1694, during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu, by the vel stolnicul Mihalcea Cândescu and Alexandrina Cantacuzino, using craftsmen coming from the monastery of the Adormirea Maicii Domnului in Râmnicu Sărat. Before that, in 1672, the Cândescu family built a manor house nearby.
Conceived as a fortified fortress with thick walls, an observation tower and underground tunnels, the monastery served as a strategic point of defense. After the secularization of the monastery in 1864, it was converted into a myrrh church. During the communist period, the complex was badly damaged and used for various secular purposes. Restorations began in the 1980s, and in 2003 it was re-established as a hermitage of nuns.
Between 2014 and 2022, by attracting non-reimbursable European funds, extensive renovation works were carried out and also the hermitage house, the body of the cells, the bell-tower and the enclosure wall were restored from ruins, and the inner courtyard was resystematized. The Berca Hermitage was consecrated on November 8, 2022, by His Eminence Archbishop Ciprian, Archbishop of Buzăului and Vrancei, together with His Eminence Most Reverend Father Sebastian, Bishop of Slatina and Romanaților.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
The Berca Monastery is an outstanding example of Brâncovenetian architecture, reflecting the specific style of the period through the sculptural decoration of the windows and the exterior girdle imitating a braided rope. The church preserves the original painting by Pârvu Mutu, renowned for his contributions to religious art in the Brâncovenetian period. Its fortifications have made it an important vantage point on the Buzăului Valley, and it is considered a “fortified gate” of the region.
🐉 Local myths and stories
The name ‘Berca’ is said to come from a Visigothic word meaning ‘high’. Also, the monastery’s underground tunnels were used as a refuge during wars and the bell tower served as an alarm tower.
🗺️ What to visit
- Main church: decorated with paintings by Pârvu Mutu.
- Bell tower and enclosure walls: Recently rebuilt and restored.
- Inner courtyard: Modernized, preserving the original structure of the ensemble.
📍 How to get there
Access is via DN 10 (Buzău-Brașov), 25 km from Buzău. After crossing the river Buzău in Sătuc, follow the signpost to Berca. The GPS coordinates are N 45.288677, E 26.681917.
Or take DJ 203 K/L to Berca
🔎Things to keep in mind
- Code of conduct: Visitors are asked to respect the tranquility and sanctity of the site.
- Accessibility: The complex is easily accessible by car.
- Controversies: Recent restorations have aroused discontent among heritage lovers as many original elements have been replaced.
⏳ Visiting hours and Fees
The monastery is open daily, but hours may vary depending on religious services. Contact the location for further information.
Admission is free, but donations are welcome.