Antim Monastery
About Antim Monastery
The Antim Monastery was built between 1713 and 1715 by Antim Ivireanul (Anthim the Iberian), Metropolitan of Wallachia, a native of Iberia (present-day Georgia), printer, sculptor and writer. The site had held an old wooden church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, two hundred metres from Metropolitan Hill. Anthim put his whole fortune into the building, drew up the plans and oversaw the work; the church was consecrated on 20 July 1715. In 1713 the metropolitan gave the monastery a charter with provisions for helping the poor, hosting strangers, a public library and two printing presses. The complex originally had the shape of a small fortress, with the church in the middle, cells along the sides of a square and a small tower in each corner.
The church has a trefoil plan, 30 metres long and 10 wide, with large windows framed in carved stone, rich rosettes and an open porch with a monumental portal. The capitals and bases of the columns carry floral motifs, and the walls are decorated with discs of openwork stone. The complex was restored in 1863 and in the 1960s, under Patriarch Justinian.
What you can see
At the entrance, the massive oak door is traditionally attributed to Anthim's own hand, and above it, under the Greek inscription, is the carved snail, the founder's emblem. Inside, the original stone iconostasis was reassembled in 1966 and completed with mosaic icons; in the side chapel the boyar Matei Roset and his wife are painted. In the courtyard you can see the bell tower, the abbots' houses with an arcaded balcony, carved stone slabs and columns with old capitals, and a building in the courtyard houses a museum of religious objects and of Anthim's life.
Good to know
The monastery is a working one, with services every day. After the services the canon of Saint Sofian of Antim is read: Father Sofian Boghiu, the monastery's spiritual father in the 20th century. The complex also houses part of the patriarchal administration, the library of the Holy Synod and the residence of the patriarchal vicar bishops. The museum can be visited only by telephone appointment.
Information verified on 25 October 2026.
- The church of 1715, with a trefoil plan, rosettes and carved stone window frames.
- The oak door at the entrance, traditionally attributed to Anthim, with the founder's snail above it.
- The original stone iconostasis, reassembled in 1966, with mosaic icons.
- The courtyard with the bell tower, the abbots' houses and the carved stone slabs.
- The museum of religious objects and of Anthim's life, open by appointment.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Bucharest is ~80 km from Ploiești, ~120 km from Pitești and ~185 km from Brașov. The monastery is in the city centre, on Strada Mitropolit Antim Ivireanul, behind Metropolitan Hill; there are no car parks for visitors in the area, so the simplest is to leave the car in a car park nearby and walk in.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Unirii (lines M1 and M3), ~700 m on foot; Izvor station (M3) is ~850 m away. From the North Station it is about 20 minutes by metro, and from Henri Coandă Airport you can take the train or a bus towards the centre.
- Where to park
The monastery has no car park for visitors. In the centre of Bucharest you park on the surrounding streets, in the paid zones (parking meter or app), or in the underground car parks nearby. On feast days and at weekends spaces fill up quickly; the simplest is to leave the car further away and walk in.
- Fees & discounts
Entry is free, including the museum. Donations to the monastery are welcome (donation details on the monastery's website). Candles are bought at the church shop.
- Rules
This is a working monastery of monks: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men bareheaded in the church), quiet, no food or drink. Photography in the church is without flash and not during services; ask if you are unsure. The museum is visited by appointment only.
- Facilities
church shop with candles · courtyard with lapidary · museum (by appointment) · steps at the church entrance · cafés, restaurants and toilets in the central area, a few minutes on foot · good mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Antim Monastery
- How much is a ticket to Antim Monastery?
- Admission to Antim Monastery is free. Entry is free, including the museum. Donations to the monastery are welcome (donation details on the monastery's website). Candles are bought at the church shop.
- How long does a visit to Antim Monastery take?
- A visit to Antim Monastery takes about 30 min (church and courtyard; estimate).
- Can you visit Antim Monastery with kids?
- Yes, Antim Monastery is suitable for children (place of prayer, no play area).
- Where can I park at Antim Monastery?
- There is paid parking at Antim Monastery (city centre, paid zone). The monastery has no car park for visitors. In the centre of Bucharest you park on the surrounding streets, in the paid zones (parking meter or app), or in the underground car parks nearby. On feast days and at weekends spaces fill up quickly; the simplest is to leave the car further away and walk in.
- How do I get to Antim Monastery?
- Antim Monastery is located at 29 Strada Mitropolit Antim Ivireanul, București. By car: Bucharest is ~80 km from Ploiești, ~120 km from Pitești and ~185 km from Brașov. The monastery is in the city centre, on Strada Mitropolit Antim Ivireanul, behind Metropolitan Hill; there are no car parks for visitors in the area, so the simplest is to leave the car in a car park nearby and walk in. Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Unirii (lines M1 and M3), ~700 m on foot; Izvor station (M3) is ~850 m away. From the North Station it is about 20 minutes by metro, and from Henri Coandă Airport you can take the train or a bus towards the centre.
- When is the best time to visit Antim Monastery?
- The best season for Antim Monastery: All year round (the courtyard, esp. in autumn).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Antim Monastery, sorted by distance.
0 km from Antim Monastery
1 km from Antim Monastery
Top 201 km from Antim Monastery
