Brâncoveanu Monastery, Sâmbăta de Sus, Brașov

Holy place of prayer and house for Arsenie Boca at the foot of Făgăraş

Location and access

Brâncoveanu Monastery is located on the Sâmbăta river valley, 95 km from Brasov and 85 km from Sibiu. In Sambata de Jos, leave DN1 towards the south, towards the mountain, and follow DJ105B for 15 km. A large parking lot at the edge of the forest, outside the perimeter (wall) of the monastery is where cars are left.

About Brâncoveanu Monastery

Brâncoveanu Monastery from Sambata de Sus is a monastery of monks, with an important community of 35 inhabitants, of the Orthodox rite, and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God (August 15). Constantin Brâncoveanu, hence the name, and King Mihai I are considered to be the founders. I have arrived here several times, either on mountain trips from Fagaras, or on mini-vacations based on Sambata de Sus or passing through. I visited it both on the run and leisurely. I also caught the time when Arsenie Boca lived here and you could look for his confession. It is a place that has always charged me positively, a clean and welcoming place.

History

– 16th century – the Izvorul Tamaduirii (source of healing) fountain, located on the monastery grounds, is documented
– 1654 – the village and estate of Sambata de Sus became the property of the nobleman Preda Brancoveanu, the grandfather of Constantin Brancoveanu
– 1657 – Preda builds a wooden church for hermit monks in the area
– 1696–1707 – the ruler Constantin Brancoveanu restores the stone and brick church
– 1785 – the church is destroyed under Habsburg rule, which for many years resisted the forced Catholicization of the population
– 1926 – the restoration of the church begins
– 1946 – the consecration of the church in the presence of King Mihai I, he being considered the 2nd founder of the monastery, the king’s portrait being painted in the church
– 1985 – the Metropolitan of Transylvania Antonie Plamadeala, considered the third founder of the monastery, resides completely in the complex building the current walls
– 1993 – the new church dedicated to the holy Martyr Brancoveni, located on the first floor, is consecrated
– 2003 – the Sambăta Academy is inaugurated, which organizes especially religious conferences and also provides accommodation

1. Access alleys

From the gate opens a fine perspective with the monastery built at the foot of the Fagaras Mountains. We have 3 parallel alleys, the middle one is wider and flanked by tall thuja trees aligned in the picture. The architecture belongs to the classic Brancovenesc style. On many days over the year, especially on holidays, the courtyard of the monastery as well as its church get congested, we chose to (re)visit it on a certain day in January of 2021, so that we did not get crowded, so as I suffered on other occasions.

parallel alleys

2. The new church

We pass under the arch and enter the quadrangle-shaped inner courtyard. To enter the new church, climb the stairs on the left. It is spacious and bright for a church. The painting in which blue and green predominate looks very good.

 

new church

in the new church

3. The courtyard of the monastery

In the courtyard, on the right side facing the arch, there is the bust of the ruler Constantin Brâncoveanu, very suggestively represented with the church held in his hands, symbolizing the role of its first founder. Behind the bust is a superb mosaic fresco. Then to the right of them, towards the arch, on marble slabs are mentioned those who contributed to the restoration of the monastery. In the outer courtyard there is the Sâmbăta Academy, a large church store, the candlestick, a well-kept space like a park and a spring, somewhere behind the property.

The inscription at the exit from the yard is very appropriate: Peace to those who come. Joy to those who remain. Blessings to those who are leaving.

bust of ruler Constantin Brancoveanu

4. The Well of the Healing Spring

On the left flank is the Izvorul Tămăduirii Well (Well of the Healing Spring), where we took the aghiasma. I appreciated that since my last visit here, a solution was set up to pump (holy) water from the fountain by pressing a button, a pumping system pulling water from the ground and directing it through a pipe to the bottles of those who take holy water. Maybe its diameter should have been smaller to fit the neck of the bottles.

Fountain Source of Healing

5. The old church

In the middle of the courtyard is the old church, with porch, nave, porch and altar. Candles are lit in a recently arranged place outside, in the outer courtyard. If you arrive at the monastery, it is worth visiting the museum, which collects many old books, manuscripts, icons and handicrafts.

the old church

Conclusion

The Brâncoveanu Monastery is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage in the country, famous for being the Izvorul Tamaduirii Fountain or the Living Water Fountain. In this place I felt several times that I could find peace for prayer. In two different times I appreciated the grace of some priests who listened to my confession or that of other believers. Once I was invited to a blessed meal after such a dedicated prayer, when Father Arsenie Boca lived here. Nearby, about 1 km following the outer perimeter of the complex, you can find the Spring of Arsenie Boca.

Visit nearby: Sâmbăta de Jos Stud, Sibiu city, Brașov city, Cincșor fortified church.

All the best!

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