Snagov Monastery
About Snagov Monastery
Snagov Monastery occupies a small island in the northern part of Lake Snagov, linked to the shore by a footbridge. It is one of the oldest monastic sites in Wallachia: it is documented from 1408, and tradition links it to the reigns of the late 14th century. Vlad the Impaler is said to have built defensive walls, a bridge to the shore and a prison here, which remained in use until 1856. Today's church was built by Neagoe Basarab in 1521, after the old one had been destroyed by an earthquake.
In the 17th century the monastery became a centre of culture: Matei Basarab installed a printing press here in 1643, and under Constantin Brâncoveanu the abbot was Anthim the Iberian (1694–1705), who printed books in Romanian, Greek, Arabic and Georgian. The church was also a burial place: the tombstones of several dignitaries of the time survive.
Its present-day fame comes from the tradition that Vlad the Impaler, killed in 1476, was buried here, under the slab in front of the altar. This is not a certainty: the excavations of the archaeologist Dinu Rosetti in 1933–1934 found nothing conclusive in that grave, and other historians lean towards Comana Monastery. The grave remains a place of tradition, not a proven one.
What you can see
The church, dedicated to the Presentation of the Virgin in the Temple, has exposed-brick walls with blind arches, decorative bands and four towers. On the façade of the narthex you can see the brick pillars of the former porch, closed in the mid-16th century. Inside, the narthex keeps the 1563 paintings by Dobromir the Younger, while the nave and the altar have those of 1815 by Gheorghe Zugravul. In front of the iconostasis doors lies the slab linked to the name of Vlad the Impaler. Next to the church stands the massive bell tower of river stone and brick, and the rest of the island is a garden with trees and paths, with views over the lake.
Good to know
The monastery is a working one and has no officially published visiting hours: access to the church depends on someone from the community being there, especially outside services.
Information verified on 20 October 2026.
- The exposed-brick façades of the 1521 church, with blind arches and four towers.
- The 1563 paintings by Dobromir the Younger, preserved in the narthex.
- The slab in front of the altar, which tradition links to the grave of Vlad the Impaler.
- The massive bell tower of river stone and brick, next to the church.
- The walk along the footbridge over the lake, with the church towers emerging from the trees.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Bucharest take the DN1 towards Ploiești, past Otopeni and Balotești, and at Ciolpani turn right onto the DJ101C towards Siliștea Snagovului (~40 km from the city centre, 45–60 minutes depending on traffic). In Siliștea Snagovului follow Strada Mânăstirea Vlad Țepeș to the end of the footbridge; from there you walk, ~170 m over the water and another ~70 m to the church.
Public transport: no line stops at the footbridge. Regional bus 447 (STV) from Piața Presei Libere runs through Snagov and Gruiu, a few kilometres from Siliștea Snagovului; the rest of the way is by taxi. From the village of Snagov you can also reach the island by boat, from the private jetties.
- Where to park
On Strada Mânăstirea Vlad Țepeș, ~100 m from the end of the footbridge, there is a small paved car park; on summer weekends it fills up quickly, and the surrounding streets are narrow.
- Fees & discounts
The monastery publishes no official prices. On site you may be asked for a visiting fee and a photography fee; bring cash. Boat trips to the island are priced by the private operators.
- Rules
This is a working monastery: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men bareheaded in the church), quiet, no food or drink in the church. Do not take photos during services and do not use a flash; ask first whether photography is allowed in the church. Cars are not allowed on the footbridge.
- Facilities
toilets on the island, next to the church · paths in the island garden · no restaurant on the island; terraces in Snagov
Frequently asked questions about Snagov Monastery
- How long does a visit to Snagov Monastery take?
- A visit to Snagov Monastery takes about ½ – 1 hours (estimate, with the footbridge).
- Can you visit Snagov Monastery with kids?
- Yes, Snagov Monastery is suitable for children (footbridge and garden).
- How do I get to Snagov Monastery?
- Snagov Monastery is located at the island in Lake Snagov, reached by the footbridge from the village of Siliștea Snagovului (Gruiu commune), Strada Mânăstirea Vlad Țepeș, Snagov, Ilfov County. By car: from Bucharest take the DN1 towards Ploiești, past Otopeni and Balotești, and at Ciolpani turn right onto the DJ101C towards Siliștea Snagovului (~40 km from the city centre, 45–60 minutes depending on traffic). In Siliștea Snagovului follow Strada Mânăstirea Vlad Țepeș to the end of the footbridge; from there you walk, ~170 m over the water and another ~70 m to the church. Public transport: no line stops at the footbridge. Regional bus 447 (STV) from Piața Presei Libere runs through Snagov and Gruiu, a few kilometres from Siliștea Snagovului; the rest of the way is by taxi. From the village of Snagov you can also reach the island by boat, from the private jetties.
- When is the best time to visit Snagov Monastery?
- The best season for Snagov Monastery: All year round (at its best April–October).
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