Răteşti Monastery
✨ Short description
Rătești Monastery, located in the commune of Berca, Buzău County, is one of the most important monastic settlements of nuns in the Archdiocese of Buzău and Vranca. Dating back to the 16th century, the monastery was first documented in 1634 and was transformed into a convent in 1760. The current main church building, built in 1844, is an example of neoclassical ecclesiastical architecture with paintings by Nicolae Teodorescu and Gheorghe Tattarescu. In 2014, the monastery was severely damaged by landslides and the monastic order was relocated nearby. Visitors can still admire the church art museum and the spectacular landscape of the Buzăului Valley. The monastery is easily accessible from Buzău, just 27 km away.
📜 History of the location
Rătești Monastery has its origins in the 16th century, when it was a hermitage of monks with a small wooden church dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Documents attest the first mention of the hermitage on May 6, 1634, and another reference appears in 1652. Due to a lack of inhabitants, the hermitage was converted into a convent in 1760.
The present main church was built in 1844 by Bishop Chesarie of Buzăului on the foundations of an older church. The church was painted in fresco by Nicolae Teodorescu, helped by his nephew Gheorghe Tattarescu, and re-painted in oil in 1930 by Nicolae Șolescu.
In 2014, landslides destroyed a significant part of the complex, including the dormitories and the rectory, and the obis was evacuated. Today, the convent is partially functional, and the community of nuns has moved to a nearby social-philanthropic center.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
Rătești Monastery is a symbol of the monastic tradition in Buzău County, remarkable for its neoclassical architecture and collections of church art. The Church of the Holy Trinity combines autochthonous architectural structures with neoclassical influences, with three wooden spires and valuable interior decoration. The original paintings by Nicolae Teodorescu and Gheorghe Tattarescu add artistic value to the ensemble.
🐉 Local myths and stories
According to tradition, the monastery was built to serve the monastic communities and believers in the area. Its location on a hill with a panoramic view of the Buzăului Valley is said to offer a peaceful atmosphere, favorable for prayer and contemplation.
🗺️ What to visit
Visitors can explore:
- Church of the Holy Trinity – remarkable for its architecture and original paintings (currently closed due to landslides)
- Museum of Church Art – with collections of icons, embroideries, old books and rare liturgical objects.
- The surrounding landscape – offers a spectacular view of the Buzăului Valley.
📍 How to get there
Rătești Monastery is located 27 km from Buzău. Follow the DN 10 (Buzău – Brașov) until Berca, turn left after the bridge over the Buzău river and continue towards Rătești on DJ 203L and DC 194. The GPS coordinates are N45.3076, E26.6319.
🔎Things to keep in mind
- Accessibility: The road is easily accessible
- Code of Conduct: Visitors are encouraged to respect the quiet and sacred atmosphere.
- Condition of buildings: Some structures are affected by landslides and may be inaccessible.
⏳ Visiting hours and Fees
The monastery is open to the public, but hours may vary. It is recommended to contact the monastery for up-to-date information.
Admission is free, but donations are welcome.