Ciolanu Monastery
About Ciolanu Monastery
Ciolanu Monastery stands on the southern slope of Ciolanu hill, in the valley of the Nișcov stream, in the commune of Tisău, in a spot surrounded by wooded hills. It is a monastery of monks, first documented on 15 January 1600, although monastic life here is older: archaeological research in the 1970s shows that the first church dates from the second half of the 16th century. After 1705 the monks abandoned the monastery, and in 1767 Prince Alexandru Scarlat Ghica approved the settling of 12 monks here. In the 19th and 20th centuries the community numbered, from one period to another, between 70 and 140 monks. Today the monastery also houses the "Chesarie Episcopul" Orthodox Theological Seminary.
The large church, dedicated to Sts Peter and Paul, was built between 1823 and 1828 with the support of Bishop Chesarie of Buzău, and painted between 1828 and 1831 by the team of the pitar Nicolae Teodorescu. In June 1855 a fire swept through the south-western side of the precinct and destroyed the refectory, the bell tower and several ranges of cells; the buildings were rebuilt and the renovation of the church was completed in 1862. The painter Nicolae Teodorescu, for whom Ciolanu remained a spiritual home, is buried with his family in the monastery cemetery.
What you can see
The monastery has two churches, a hundred metres apart, and a summer altar raised in honour of the Mother of God. The old church, dedicated to St George the Great Martyr, received a narthex and two blind towers above it in the 19th century. The large church has a porch with arches and tall towers, and in the nave Teodorescu's original painting is on display, brought back to light after the restorations that followed the 1977 earthquake. In the precinct there are cells on terraces, shaded paths, flowers and resting places. On the monastery's meadows begins the open-air exhibition of the Măgura Sculpture Camp, with more than 250 stone sculptures made since 1970.
Good to know
It is a working monastery of monks: enter in modest dress and keep quiet, and the services are open to worshippers. The Măgura Sculpture Camp belongs to the Buzău County Museum and is visited separately from the monastery.
Information verified on 28 October 2026.
- The large church, dedicated to Sts Peter and Paul, built in 1823–1828, with an arcaded porch.
- Nicolae Teodorescu's original painting in the nave, brought back to light after the restorations that followed the 1977 earthquake.
- The old church of St George, with beginnings in the 16th century.
- The precinct with cells on terraces, shaded paths and flowers, in the Nișcov valley.
- The Măgura Sculpture Camp, on the meadows next to the monastery, with more than 250 stone sculptures.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the monastery is ~33 km from Buzău (~45 minutes), in the commune of Tisău, and the last stretch of the road is the DJ203G. From Bucharest it is ~119 km (~1 h 50). From the Berca Mud Volcanoes it is ~27 km (~45 minutes), so the two places can be combined in one day.
Public transport: Buzău has a railway station and a coach station; from there the easiest way to reach the monastery is by car or taxi.
- Rules
Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered, women with their heads covered in the church. Keep quiet within the walls and switch phones off during services. Photography inside the church is only with the monks' permission.
- Facilities
two churches · summer altar · cells · monastery cemetery
Frequently asked questions about Ciolanu Monastery
How long does a visit to Ciolanu Monastery take?
A visit to Ciolanu Monastery takes about 45 min (the churches and the courtyard).
Can you visit Ciolanu Monastery with kids?
Yes, Ciolanu Monastery is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
How do I get to Ciolanu Monastery?
Ciolanu Monastery is located at DJ203G, Tisău village, on the southern slope of Ciolanu hill, Tisău, Buzău County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Ciolanu Monastery?
The best season for Ciolanu Monastery: All year round (all year).
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