Plumbuita Monastery
About Plumbuita Monastery
On a small hill on the bank of the Colentina river, in north-eastern Bucharest, stands one of the oldest monasteries in the city. Its founding began in the 16th century under Prince Petru the Younger, and in 1585 Mihnea Turcitul placed the foundation under the Xeropotamou Monastery on Mount Athos. The monastery suffered in 1595, when it was destroyed by the Ottomans, and was damaged by a fire in 1614. The present church dates from 1647, when Matei Basarab built it from the foundations in memory of his victory over Radu Iliaș, adding a princely house and thick defensive walls. According to local people, the name comes from the lead roof of the church.
The first printing press in Bucharest operated here: a plaque on the wall of the cells says it was set up in 1573, and the oldest book known to have been printed here is a Tetraevangelion of 1582. In the 19th century the monastery was closed through secularisation and the complex came close to ruin, before the restorations of the 20th century.
What you can see
You enter beneath the bell tower, built between 1802 and 1806 and set into the enclosure wall, and come into a courtyard with stone paving, flowers and benches. The Church of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist has a triconch plan, a tower over the nave, walls almost a metre thick and Gothic window frames. The Princely House, with arcades on the ground floor and the upper floor, is one of the few civil buildings in Bucharest older than the 19th century, and brick cells surround the courtyard.
Good to know
This is a working monastery, with a monastic community and daily services. The Princely House and the cells are admired from the courtyard.
Information verified on 26 October 2026.
- The bell tower of 1802–1806, through which you enter the courtyard.
- Matei Basarab's church of 1647, with a triconch plan and walls almost a metre thick.
- The Princely House, with arcades on two levels, a rare example of early civil architecture in Bucharest.
- The plaque about the first printing press in Bucharest, on the wall of the cells.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the monastery is on Strada Plumbuita, in the Colentina district in the north-east of the city, ~12 minutes from Piața Victoriei or Piața Unirii in normal traffic. The entrance is beneath the bell tower.
Public transport: the metro does not come close; the nearest station, Piața Iancului (M1), is ~5 km away by road. You can get there by the buses and trams of the Colentina–Tei area, or by taxi.
- Rules
This is a working monastery: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men bareheaded in the church), quiet, no food or drink. Do not use a flash and do not take photos during services; ask if you are unsure.
- Facilities
church and courtyard · bell tower
Frequently asked questions about Plumbuita Monastery
- How long does a visit to Plumbuita Monastery take?
- A visit to Plumbuita Monastery takes about 45 min (church and courtyard; estimate).
- Can you visit Plumbuita Monastery with kids?
- Yes, Plumbuita Monastery is suitable for children (quiet place, no play area).
- How do I get to Plumbuita Monastery?
- Plumbuita Monastery is located at 58 Strada Plumbuita, Sector 2, București. By car: the monastery is on Strada Plumbuita, in the Colentina district in the north-east of the city, ~12 minutes from Piața Victoriei or Piața Unirii in normal traffic. The entrance is beneath the bell tower. Public transport: the metro does not come close; the nearest station, Piața Iancului (M1), is ~5 km away by road. You can get there by the buses and trams of the Colentina–Tei area, or by taxi.
- When is the best time to visit Plumbuita Monastery?
- The best season for Plumbuita Monastery: All year round (all year round).
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