Dintr-un Lemn Monastery
About Dintr-un Lemn Monastery
Dintr-un Lemn Monastery ("From One Wood") stands in the village of Dezrobiți, in Frâncești commune, in the Otăsău valley, among the wooded hills that separate it from the Surpatele and Govora monasteries. The name comes from a legend: Paul of Aleppo, who passed through in 1653–1658, wrote that a monk had found an icon of the Mother of God in the hollow of an oak and built a little church from the wood of that tree. A version recorded in 1745 by Metropolitan Neofit Cretanul replaces the monk with a shepherd called Radu, in the reign of Alexandru II Mircea (1568–1577).
The first document mentioning the monastery dates from 20 April 1635. The stone church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God, is a foundation of Matei Basarab: a record of 1640 and the inscription of 1715, placed by Ștefan Cantacuzino, name him as founder. Also in 1715 the bell tower at the entrance and the Princely House were rebuilt. In 1938–1940 the ensemble was restored by the Ministry of Air and Navy. Today it is a convent.
What you can see
In the cemetery on the west side stands the wooden church, shaded by ancient oaks. The present one was built in 1810–1814 on the site of a 16th-century church: thick beams joined with dovetails, a cable-twist band carved into the wood, an open porch and no tower. Inside, instead of wall paintings, there are old icons on wood and an iconostasis of limewood carved in 1814.
The stone church, on a triconch plan, with an octagonal apse and a porch on pillars, keeps the icon of the Mother of God linked to the legend; its age is still debated, and during the restoration of the early 2000s a painting of the Last Judgement came to light on its back. The church also holds two chandeliers given by Șerban Cantacuzino and Lady Marica Brâncoveanu. In the courtyard you can see the bell tower and the abbess's house known as the Brâncoveanu Palace, and at the entrance a carved wooden gate in the traditional style.
Information verified on 2 November 2026.
- The wooden church of 1810–1814, built on the site of the 16th-century one, with its limewood iconostasis carved in 1814.
- The icon of the Mother of God in the stone church, linked to the legend of the oak.
- Matei Basarab's stone church, on a triconch plan, with a porch on pillars.
- The ancient oaks around the wooden church, in the monastery cemetery.
- The carved wooden gate at the entrance and the bell tower rebuilt in 1715.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Râmnicu Vâlcea it is ~28 km (~40 min), south on the DN64, then along the DJ646 and DJ646B. From Băbeni it is ~8.5 km (~12 min), and from Băile Govora ~12 km (~20 min). It can be combined in one day with Băile Govora and the Ocnele Mari Salt Mine (~24 km).
- Where to park
Car park by the main gate, at the end of the DJ646B; from there you walk into the precinct.
- Rules
Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered, women with their heads covered in church. Keep quiet within the walls and switch phones off during services. Photos in the churches only with the nuns' permission.
- Facilities
accommodation for pilgrims
Frequently asked questions about Dintr-un Lemn Monastery
How long does a visit to Dintr-un Lemn Monastery take?
A visit to Dintr-un Lemn Monastery takes about ½ – 1 hours (both churches and the courtyard).
Can you visit Dintr-un Lemn Monastery with kids?
Yes, Dintr-un Lemn Monastery is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
Where can I park at Dintr-un Lemn Monastery?
There is free parking at Dintr-un Lemn Monastery (at the main gate). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Dintr-un Lemn Monastery?
Dintr-un Lemn Monastery is located at DJ646B, Dezrobiți village, Frâncești, Vâlcea County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Dintr-un Lemn Monastery?
The best season for Dintr-un Lemn Monastery: All year round (8 September, the feast day).
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