Wooden Church of St. Paraskeva – Târgu Ocna

Located in a picturesque setting, you'll easily spot the The Royal Church amidst an old cemetery near the Târgu Ocna salt mine. Built in 1725 on the right bank of the Vâlcica stream, on the site of another older church that burned down, the church has the shape of a ship and the color of oak wood, with a cold brown hue, paved with stone slabs and walls lined with grooved planks forming a double vault key.

Considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Moldova, as mentioned in the monograph of the "Holy Venerable Parascheva" (royal) Wooden Church written by Corneliu Stoica, it houses an impressive iconostasis and inscriptions indicating that there was a church here even during the time of Stephen the Great, used by the salt mine workers. Perhaps there were no people who needed God and a place to pray more than the slaves of the salt mine.

The priests of the "Royal" church were the only ones who provided spiritual support to the workers, creating a long-lasting bond between the residents of Târgu Ocna and the small wooden church. There is a great emotion in a place that reminds us of the harsh life of the miners. Approach and give yourself a moment of contemplation!

Brief historical insight

During the reign of the Moldavian ruler Ioan Vodă the Brave, the place of worship was dedicated to the holy protector of Moldova, Venerable Parascheva. Being the first wooden church built in the area, it probably dates back to the reign of Alexander Lăpușneanu (1552-1561; 1564-1568). From the historical records that have survived the erosion of time, it was concluded that the church benefited from numerous privileges from several rulers such as Mihai Racoviță, Constantin Racoviță, and Mihai Suțu. During the reign of Stephen the Great, the church was strictly used by the workers in the salt mine (pickaxe men, mule drivers, blacksmiths, carpenters, candle makers, weighers, coopers, weavers, turners, gun makers, guards), as well as by the "slaves" and prisoners of the salt mine, depending solely on the salt exploitation in the surroundings. The earliest inscriptions indicate its existence after the year 1475.

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Invaluable treasures

The church has an iconostasis considered to be of unparalleled beauty, with special columns with decorative carving that adds considerable value. These are located at the base of the iconostasis. The medallions painted with scenes and biblical portraits on the royal doors are framed by leaf and flower decorations that start from volutes. They are adorned with 4 large icons: Jesus Christ, Saint Nicholas, Venerable Parascheva, Mother of God with the Infant Jesus. The second part of the iconostasis, which includes the imperial feasts, consists of 14 large icons separated by colonnades. The third part consists of icons representing the 12 apostles, totaling 18 vaulted icons. The fourth part consists of paintings with figures, 15 in number, in the form of round medallions.

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