Grăjdeni Monastery

The origin of the Grăjdeni Monastery is lost in the mists of history, but a legend remains to fill the void of evidence: a living one, very widespread. It is said that Petru Rareș would have passed with the chariots from Galaţi to Suceava and, one night, he stopped at some stables that served as a rest stop for the horses' food and rest. Here he fell asleep under a tree and had a beautiful dream, in which the two hills ahead were golden and worshiped him, and a swarm of bees came out of his mouth.

 

In the morning, Petru told the dream to his fellow travelers, and they happily interpreted it for him, saying that as soon as they reach Suceava, they will sell all the fish at a very good price. Resuming his journey, close to Crasna, he was met by a group of horsemen who came to bring him the news that the Royal Divan led by the metropolitan of the country had chosen him as the ruler of Moldavia.

In gratitude, Petru Rareș built the church on the spot where he had the dream. The hard times that the place went through left behind only an icon of the Mother of God hidden by the monks in a tree cavity. The icon is still in the church today and is said to be a miracle worker.

We do not urge you to sleep under the trees to dream beautifully, but we believe that a time spent around the monastery will remain unforgettable!

The history of Grăjdeni Monastery is sprinkled with a series of events that darkened its existence over time. In 1711, the hermitage was looted and burned following the Russo-Turkish war.

The hermitage was then rebuilt but was again destroyed by an earthquake in 1802.

In 1862, Vladica Anania of the Husi Diocese decided to build a brick church, endowing it with the patron saint "St. Nicholas"'. Later, the place was abolished during the secularization of 1864, and the church was served by secular priests.

In 1952, the Grăjdeni hermitage was transformed into a nunnery, with the addition of a second patron, namely "Holy Trinity”. 

Built of brick, on a stone foundation, the main church of the monastery is built in the shape of a cross, with architecture specific to the classic Moldavian style and a roof made according to the Bucovina model.

On the west side of the entrance to the monastic complex rises the monastery bell tower, which houses three solid bronze bells.

Inside, the holy place is decorated with a special neoclassical painting, dominated by shades of red and blue, which gives the whole space beauty and sacredness.

The iconostas and pews are made of oak wood, being ornamented with floral and plant motifs.

Continue your religious journey through these parts of Moldova and stop for a few moments at the Gârceni, Fâstâci, Dimitrie Cantemir, Pârvești and Florești Monasteries to admire them and offer a prayer to God.

Also, if you are accompanied by children, but not only, you can also stop by the Bârlad Zoo to discover special species of animals from all corners of the world.