Crasna Monastery
About Crasna Monastery
Crasna Monastery, also known as Crasna Skete, stands in the commune of Crasna, at the foot of the Parâng Mountains. The stone church was built in 1636 by the boyar Dumitru Filișanu, in the reign of Prince Matei Basarab, in place of an older wooden church. Its patron saint is St Nicholas. The church's mural painting dates from 1757, and the most important restoration work was carried out between 1936 and 1938.
The church is of Byzantine type, cross-shaped, with low walls, a brick band under the eaves and a single octagonal tower set on the nave. The porch is closed, and the wooden iconostasis, rising to the vault, is carved and gilded; beneath the Crucifixion are the portraits of Matei Basarab and Metropolitan Ștefan.
What you can see
The white church, with brick arches on its façades and the octagonal tower, in the middle of a courtyard surrounded by cells; on the south side stands the range of old cells with the bell tower. You enter the precinct under the gate tower, along a path paved with stone. Inside the church you can see the mural painting of 1757 and the gilded iconostasis.
Good to know
It is a working monastery with a community of monks: visits take place during the day, in modest dress and without disturbing the services. The complex is under restoration: the main building has been consolidated and the roofs of all the buildings replaced, while a new building with cells, a refectory and a library is at the design stage.
Information verified on 29 October 2026.
- The church of 1636, with its octagonal tower and the brick band under the eaves.
- The carved, gilded wooden iconostasis, with the portrait of Matei Basarab and Metropolitan Ștefan beneath the Crucifixion.
- The church's mural painting of 1757, including in the closed porch.
- The paved path that leads through the gate tower into the courtyard with the cells.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the monastery is ~31 km from Târgu Jiu (~35–40 minutes), ~16 km from Novaci (~25 minutes) and ~20 km from Bumbești-Jiu (~25 minutes); from Craiova it is ~117 km (~2½ hours). The last stretch is on a county road, through the commune of Crasna, and then along Strada Schitului. It can be combined with Lainici Monastery (~38 km, ~1 hour) or with Tismana Monastery.
- Where to park
You park next to the monastery, free of charge; on feast days and at larger services the spaces fill up quickly.
- Fees & discounts
There is no charge to enter the monastery precinct. For photography in the church, ask the monks.
- Rules
Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered, women with their heads covered in church. Keep quiet within the precinct and switch phones off during services. Photos in the church only with the monks' permission; pets stay outside the precinct.
- Facilities
community of monks · by the road towards the Parâng · shops and restaurants in Novaci
Frequently asked questions about Crasna Monastery
How much is a ticket to Crasna Monastery?
Admission to Crasna Monastery is free (entry to the precinct). More under “Fees & discounts”
How long does a visit to Crasna Monastery take?
A visit to Crasna Monastery takes about 40 min (the church and the courtyard).
Can you visit Crasna Monastery with kids?
Yes, Crasna Monastery is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
Where can I park at Crasna Monastery?
There is free parking at Crasna Monastery (next to the monastery). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Crasna Monastery?
Crasna Monastery is located at Strada Schitului, Crasna, Gorj County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Crasna Monastery?
The best season for Crasna Monastery: April – October (easy road in summer).
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