The wooden church Nativity of the Lord - Călugărița

The “Nativity of the Mother of God” wooden church at Călugărița is representative for traditional Romanian architecture. It was built in 1746 by priest Constantine and his brothers, with the contribution of the parishioners.

The painting of the church is the original, made in 1836 in the fresco technique. You will surely notice the presence of native elements from the vegetable world and the delicate floral border.

The porch has pillars carved in oak wood and decorated. 

In a clear state of degradation, the church impresses with the old icons painted on wood, one of which was signed “Cantor Radu the Painter 1791”. The chandelier attached to the arch by a hand bearing a wooden cross with 12 lights is also a rarity.

Let yourself be carried away by curiosity and you will enjoy discovering other valuable things here!

According to the 1840 inventory of the former Muscel County, the Glâmbocata parish used to be called Călugărița, being part of the property of the Holy Monastery of Câmpulung. It was built on a wall foundation by priest Constantin and his brothers, Stoica Mierlea and Enache Dobra, in 1746. 

The name Călugărița is said to come from an old nunnery skete. It would have been on the place of the current cemetery and around the church historical monument. Residents remember that, when they planted vineyards and trees during collectivisation, they found hearth bricks, stove hearths, as well as traces of housing. These discoveries were most likely the old cells of the nuns, sealed over time.

The painting of the church is the original, made with the support of the local boyar, Stanciu Viespescu, but it is believed that there was another painting inside.

The royal icons painted on wood and placed on the masonry iconostasis of the nave are of a particular artistic value. On the right side, there is the icon of the patron, depicting the Nativity of the Mother of God. On the left side of the iconostasis, there is the icon of St. Nicholas, who is the second patron of the church. 

The iconostasis was painted in 1834. At present, the painting is lost due to candle smoke, but one can still see the three registers of the Orthodox cult, namely the 12 royal feasts, the 12 Apostles and the Holy Prophets of the Old Testament.

If you are in Leordeni, go to the “Dinu Lipatti” Memorial House, a superb villa built in Neo-Romanian style by Dinu Lipatti's father, the violinist Constantin Lipatti, in 1938-1942. Here you will find an impressive collection of photographs and correspondence, illustrating the life and work of the great Romanian pianist and composer, as well as numerous objects belonging to him, such as the Bechstein piano, diplomas or scores.

A destination that can please your soul is also the Monastery of St. Calinic in Călinești.