Saon Monastery
About Saon Monastery
Saon Monastery stands in the commune of Niculițel, by Lake Saon, and is a convent of the Diocese of Tulcea. It began in 1846 as a chapel and a few adobe cells, built as a dependency by monks who had left Celic-Dere Monastery. In 1881, when monks moved from Celicul de Jos joined them, the community became independent and built a church of adobe and wood dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord.
The large church, dedicated to the Protection of the Mother of God, is built of brick and stone and has three towers. Bishop Nifon Niculescu laid its foundation on 1 September 1909, at a time when the monastery had temporarily come under the administration of Cocoș Monastery. The First World War interrupted the work, and the towers collapsed in the 1940 earthquake; after 1956 they were rebuilt and the church was painted, and in 1959 it was consecrated.
In the same year, 1959, the monastery was abolished by the communist regime, and from 1972 it functioned as a dependency of the Archdiocese of Tomis and Lower Danube. It has been organised as a convent since 1930 and independent again since 1990. The complex is a listed historic monument (LMI code TL-II-m-B-06012).
What you can see
The white church, with tall towers covered in silvery sheet metal, can be seen from the access road, beyond the entrance gate with painted icons. Inside the precinct stand the large brick-and-stone church and the old church of 1881, dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, built of wood and adobe, together with the block of cells from the same period.
Good to know
It is a working convent: enter in modest dress and keep quiet. The feast day, the Ascension of the Lord, is celebrated 40 days after Easter, so the date changes from year to year.
Information verified on 30 October 2026.
- The white church with three towers covered in silvery sheet metal, seen from the access road.
- The entrance gate with painted icons, at the end of the road from the DJ229E.
- The old church of 1881, dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, built of wood and adobe.
- The setting on the shore of Lake Saon, in a quiet area near Niculițel.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Tulcea take the DN22 towards Isaccea and Brăila, then the DJ229D and DJ229E to the monastery. It is ~27 km (~35 minutes). It can be combined in one outing with the Celic-Dere and Cocoș monasteries in the same area.
- Rules
Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered, women with their heads covered in the church. Keep quiet within the walls and switch phones off during services. Photos in the church only with the nuns' permission.
Frequently asked questions about Saon Monastery
How long does a visit to Saon Monastery take?
A visit to Saon Monastery takes about 45 min (churches and precinct).
Can you visit Saon Monastery with kids?
Yes, Saon Monastery is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
Where can I park at Saon Monastery?
There is free parking at Saon Monastery (by the monastery gate).
How do I get to Saon Monastery?
Saon Monastery is located at DJ229E, by Lake Saon, ~27 km from Tulcea, Niculițel, Tulcea County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Saon Monastery?
The best season for Saon Monastery: All year round (all year).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Saon Monastery, sorted by distance.
9 km from Saon Monastery
13 km from Saon Monastery
14 km from Saon Monastery
