Poiana Mărului Monastery
✨ Short description
Poiana Mărului Monastery, located in the commune of Bisoca, Buzău County, was founded in 1730 by St. Vasile de la Poiana Mărului, with the support of Prince Constantine Mavrocordat. The monastery is an important historical monument and monastic center, known for its wooden architecture, painting influenced by the Russian neo-Byzantine style and rich spiritual history. After several fires and reconstructions, the monastery continues to function as a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
📜 History of the location
The monastery was founded in 1730 by St. Vasile, its first abbot, with the support of Prince Constantine Mavrocordat. The first wooden church burned down in 1771 and was rebuilt between 1780-1784. The second church, also made of wood, was built between 1810-1812 under the leadership of Abbot Theodosius II. Fires in 1879 and 2014 damaged the monastery buildings, but they were rebuilt or renovated.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
The monastery is one of the most important monastic and cultural centers of the 18th century. It has become a focal point of Romanian monasticism, promoting Isishatic prayer and the preservation of the Philocalic writings. It is one of the few monasteries with exterior and interior paintings on wood.
🐉 Local myths and stories
Legend has it that the monastery was built on the site of an apple tree, in the bark of which the shepherds saw a mysterious light. The pilgrim monks who arrived there discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary in the apple tree’s bark, which was considered a divine sign for the building of the hermitage.
🗺️ What to visit
- Large church: Built of oak beams, with oil paintings in the Russian neo-Byzantine style.
- Church in the cemetery: A simpler wooden building with a single spire.
- Bell tower: The main entrance to the enclosure, built in 1935.
- Chapel “St. Elijah the Prophet”: Erected in 1991 and painted by Archdeacon Gabriel Sibiescu.
- The annex buildings: the kindergartens and domestic premises.
📍 How to get there
The access is on DJ 203K from Buzău, then DJ 204C towards Bisoca, about 68 km from Buzău. The road passes through a forest area and can be difficult in bad weather conditions.
🔎Things to keep in mind
- Code of conduct: Visitors are asked to respect the tranquillity and sanctity of the site.
- Accessibility: The road to the monastery is isolated and parking is limited.
- Restoration: Recent fires have damaged some of the buildings, but they have been restored.
⏳ Visiting hours and Fees
The monastery is open daily. For the exact schedule of services, contact the local administration.
Admission is free, but donations are welcome.