Cozia Monastery

About

Nestled on the banks of the Olt River, Cozia Monastery was built between 1386 to 1388 under the rule of Mircea the Ancient, the ruler who is credited with bringing stability to the region, and the grandfather of Vlad the Impaler. Today, Mircea and the nun Teofana, mother of Michael the Brave, are entombed in the monastery. Along with the tombs, visitors can admire the original 14th century paintings depicting the great hermits of Christianity, the seven ecumenical synods, other sacred images. Along with the main medieval church with its tower, the monastery also has two chapels from the 16th and 18th centuries. The monastery infirmary, built in 1542, houses a museum with coins, old printings, cult items, and ornaments and is the only free monastery museum in the country.