Sinaia Monastery
About Sinaia Monastery
Sinaia Monastery was built between 1690 and 1695 by the sword-bearer (spătar) Mihail Cantacuzino at the foot of Mount Furnica, in the Prahova Valley, at ~860 m above sea level. The founder had visited St Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai in 1681 and named the new monastery after it; the town that later grew up around it took its name from the monastery. The old precinct, a small fortress of 30 by 40 m with thick walls, guarded the trade route between Wallachia and Brașov.
In 1843–1846 a new precinct, twice as large, was added, with the great church of the Holy Trinity. Between 1871 and 1883 the princely family spent their summers in the monastery's cells, and it was from here that Carol I decided to build Peleș Castle nearby. Also in his time, in 1897–1903, the great church was rebuilt to plans by the architect George Mandrea and took on its present appearance. It is a monastery of monks and belongs to the Archdiocese of Bucharest.
What you can see
The old church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, from 1695, has a Latin-cross plan, rare in Romania, and a porch on carved stone columns. In the porch and narthex much of Pârvu Mutu's original painting survives, including the votive painting in which Mihail Cantacuzino appears with his two wives and eighteen children. In the same precinct are the chapel of the Transfiguration, also from 1695, and the crypt of the statesman Take Ionescu (1858–1922), painted by Costin Petrescu, with passages from his speeches written on the walls.
The great church, with towers of exposed brick and stone, combines the Brâncovenesc and Moldavian styles. The interior was painted by the Dane Aage Exner on a gilded background, like a mosaic, with portraits of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth in the narthex; the iconostasis and the royal thrones are of carved and gilded wood, made by Constantin Babic. In the new precinct are the bell tower from 1892 and the museum building, opened in the former royal apartments: icons by Pârvu Mutu, embroidery, silverware and a copy of the Bucharest Bible (1688), the first complete translation of the Bible into Romanian.
Good to know
It is a working monastery of monks: enter in modest dress and keep quiet. In 2025 the monastery signed funding contracts for the restoration of the great church and of the old precinct (the old church, the north wing with the chapel and the wall), with work scheduled between February 2025 and September 2026; some buildings may be under scaffolding or have restricted access.
Information verified on 20 October 2026.
- The porch of the old church, with its carved stone columns and Pârvu Mutu's frescoes.
- The votive painting of Mihail Cantacuzino with his two wives and eighteen children, in the narthex of the old church.
- Aage Exner's painting on a gilded background in the great church, with the portraits of Carol I and Queen Elisabeth.
- The Bucharest Bible of 1688 and Pârvu Mutu's icon of the Holy Trinity, in the monastery museum.
- Take Ionescu's crypt, next to the chapel, with passages from his speeches on the walls.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: take the DN1 to Sinaia, ~125 km from Bucharest (~2½ hours in normal traffic, longer at weekends) or ~45 km from Brașov (~1 hour). From the town centre head up towards Peleș Castle along Aleea Peleșului; the monastery is right at the start of the lane, on the left. It combines easily with Peleș and Pelișor, ~1 km further up.
Public transport: take the train on the Bucharest–Brașov line to Sinaia station (~1½–2 hours from Bucharest), then walk ~1 km uphill through the centre and the town park (~15–20 minutes), or take a taxi.
- Where to park
The monastery has no car park of its own for visitors. Use the public car park on Aleea Peleșului, right by the monastery, the same one used for Peleș Castle, which is paid; at weekends and in summer it fills up quickly, so it is worth arriving in the morning.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the monastery grounds has no published charge. The monastery's website does not publish the museum ticket price or any photography fee; ask at the entrance.
- Rules
Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered, women with their heads covered in the churches. Keep quiet within the walls and switch phones off during services. Do not take photos in the churches or the museum without the monks' permission; do not touch the frescoes or the carved columns. Pets are not allowed in the churches.
- Facilities
monastery museum · church shop with candles, icons and books · restaurants, cafés and accommodation in the centre of Sinaia, a few minutes' walk away · the courtyards are paved and gently sloping, the churches have steps at the entrance
Frequently asked questions about Sinaia Monastery
- What are the opening hours of Sinaia Monastery?
- Opening hours at Sinaia Monastery: daily 08:00 – 20:00. The monastery can be visited daily from 8 am to 8 pm. Services are held at 8–10 am, 4–5 pm and 6:45–8:15 pm (on Sundays and feast days the Liturgy is at 9–11:30 am). The museum's opening hours are not published on the monastery's website; check them on site.
- How long does a visit to Sinaia Monastery take?
- A visit to Sinaia Monastery takes about ½ – 1 hours (with the museum).
- Can you visit Sinaia Monastery with kids?
- Yes, Sinaia Monastery is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
- Where can I park at Sinaia Monastery?
- There is paid parking at Sinaia Monastery (on Aleea Peleșului, ~100 m). The monastery has no car park of its own for visitors. Use the public car park on Aleea Peleșului, right by the monastery, the same one used for Peleș Castle, which is paid; at weekends and in summer it fills up quickly, so it is worth arriving in the morning.
- How do I get to Sinaia Monastery?
- Sinaia Monastery is located at Strada Mănăstirii 2, Sinaia, Prahova County. By car: take the DN1 to Sinaia, ~125 km from Bucharest (~2½ hours in normal traffic, longer at weekends) or ~45 km from Brașov (~1 hour). From the town centre head up towards Peleș Castle along Aleea Peleșului; the monastery is right at the start of the lane, on the left. It combines easily with Peleș and Pelișor, ~1 km further up. Public transport: take the train on the Bucharest–Brașov line to Sinaia station (~1½–2 hours from Bucharest), then walk ~1 km uphill through the centre and the town park (~15–20 minutes), or take a taxi.
- When is the best time to visit Sinaia Monastery?
- The best season for Sinaia Monastery: All year round (in the morning, before Peleș).
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