Slatina Monastery
About Slatina Monastery
Slatina Monastery stands in a wooded valley at the foot of the Stânișoara Mountains, on the Suha Mică stream, in the commune of Slatina in Suceava County, about 28 km north-west of Fălticeni. The name comes from a long-dried salt spring, a "slatină". Prince Alexandru Lăpușneanu began the building in 1553, and the church was consecrated in 1558, dedicated to the Transfiguration. The legend, which Ion Neculce also tells, says the site was chosen at the urging of the hermit Pahomie, who saw lights in a sycamore growing where the altar stands today.
The complex was designed as a fortified monastery: a stone church with an octagonal tower, the princely house, the cells and a perimeter wall with towers. Slatina was also a princely necropolis: Alexandru Lăpușneanu, Lady Ruxandra, daughter of Petru Rareș, and their two daughters are buried here. In the following centuries it was a centre of culture, with a library and a school of calligraphers and miniaturists, then it was plundered and burnt in 1821, when the Filiki Eteria fighters took refuge here. Restoration began in 1823, and since 1962, after the dissolution of 1959, a community of nuns has lived here. Father Cleopa Ilie was abbot of the monastery from 1949 to 1956.
What you can see
The Church of the Transfiguration has a triconch plan, buttresses, a row of blind niches under the eaves and recesses on the altar apse. The present fresco painting, redone in the 19th century after the original, keeps the votive painting of the founders and their family. The princely tombs, marked with Hațeg marble, and the 1582 inscription with the arms of Moldavia are among the main pieces. In the grounds you can see the perimeter wall, the gate tower, the bell tower, the row of cells with an open porch on wooden columns and the former princely house, now the refectory. According to church media, the monastery keeps a fragment of the relics of St Gregory the Theologian.
Good to know
It is a working convent with a daily cycle of services (matins at 5:30, vespers at 16:00, akathist at 18:00). The visiting hours published by the monastery mention no works or closures in progress.
Information verified on 13 October 2026.
- The Church of the Transfiguration, with its octagonal tower on a star-shaped base and the blind niches under the eaves.
- The tomb of Alexandru Lăpușneanu, in the church he founded.
- The 1582 inscription with the arms of Moldavia above the church entrance.
- The perimeter wall with towers and the gate tower, which give the monastery the look of a fortress.
- The refectory, the former princely house from the 16th century, rebuilt in the 19th century.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the monastery is in the commune of Slatina, on DJ209A, about 28 km north-west of Fălticeni, at the foot of the Stânișoara Mountains. It can be combined with the Bukovina monasteries further north.
Public transport: no direct connection could be confirmed; the simplest way is by car or by taxi from Fălticeni.
- Fees & discounts
The monastery's website does not publish an entry fee; ask at the gate.
- Rules
Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered, and women with a head covering inside the church. Keep quiet within the walls. Ask at the gate whether photography is allowed in the church; no photos during services. Guided visits are arranged by phone.
- Facilities
Guided visits on request · Orthodox children's camp run by the monastery during school holidays
Frequently asked questions about Slatina Monastery
- What are the opening hours of Slatina Monastery?
- Opening hours at Slatina Monastery: daily 07:00 – 21:00. Visiting hours: daily, 7:00–21:00, according to the monastery's website. For a guided visit the monastery gives the number +40 755 348 314. Services on weekdays: matins and liturgy at 5:30, vespers at 16:00, akathist at 18:00.
- How long does a visit to Slatina Monastery take?
- A visit to Slatina Monastery takes about ½ – 1 hours (church and grounds).
- Can you visit Slatina Monastery with kids?
- Yes, Slatina Monastery is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
- How do I get to Slatina Monastery?
- Slatina Monastery is located at Alexandru Lăpușneanu Street, no. 258, on DJ209A, Slatina, Suceava County. By car: the monastery is in the commune of Slatina, on DJ209A, about 28 km north-west of Fălticeni, at the foot of the Stânișoara Mountains. It can be combined with the Bukovina monasteries further north. Public transport: no direct connection could be confirmed; the simplest way is by car or by taxi from Fălticeni.
- When is the best time to visit Slatina Monastery?
- The best season for Slatina Monastery: All year round (summer, for the drive through the valley).
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