Stavropoleos Monastery
About Stavropoleos Monastery
Among the buildings of the Old Town, on the street that bears its name, stands one of the most beautiful churches in Bucharest. It was raised in 1724 by the Greek archimandrite Ioanichie, who came from Epirus and built first an inn for merchants and then the church and the monastery, kept going by the income from the inn. In 1726 Ioanichie became Metropolitan of Stavropolis, which is where the name of the place comes from. The original plan was enlarged around 1730 with apses and the porch, and the work was finished in 1733. The inn was pulled down at the end of the 19th century, and the church remained the only witness of the old complex.
The church is an example of the Brâncoveanu style, on a small scale: a porch with carved stone columns, tall arches and façades painted with saints in medallions among floral motifs. In 1904 the restoration was entrusted to the architect Ion Mincu, who rebuilt the tower that had fallen in an earthquake and designed the Neo-Romanian enclosure around it. The monastery was re-founded in 2008 as a convent, and the church was reconsecrated in 2012.
What you can see
In the porch the original painting survives, with scenes from Genesis, the seven Ecumenical Councils and the miracles of the Archangel Michael. Inside, the carved wooden Brâncoveanu iconostasis is one of the best preserved in Bucharest, and in the pronaos the founders and Prince Nicolae Mavrocordat with his family are painted. The inner courtyard, with a portico on three sides, holds a lapidary of tombstones, inscriptions and capitals brought from churches and monasteries that have vanished from the city centre.
Good to know
Life at the monastery is communal, with services every day; on Saturdays, Sundays and feast days psaltic (Byzantine) chant is sung, by two choirs. The library (with musical manuscripts and old books) and the collection of icons and liturgical objects are in the building in the courtyard: according to the monastery's website, access there is for research or documentation, not as an ordinary visit. There are no announcements of closures or works for 2025–2026.
Information verified on 9 October 2026.
- The painted façades and the porch with carved columns, in the Brâncoveanu style.
- The original painting in the porch, with the Genesis cycle and the seven Ecumenical Councils.
- The Brâncoveanu iconostasis, one of the best preserved in Bucharest.
- Ion Mincu's arcaded courtyard and the lapidary with stones from vanished churches.
- The psaltic chant at the Saturday, Sunday and feast-day services.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Bucharest is ~80 km from Ploiești, ~120 km from Pitești and ~185 km from Brașov. The monastery is in the Old Town, on Strada Stavropoleos, with limited car access in the historic zone; walk in from the car parks around it.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Unirii (lines M1 and M3), ~700 m on foot; from Universitate it is about the same. The North Station is ~3 km away (metro or taxi/app), and from Henri Coandă Airport (~17 km) you can take the train or a bus towards the centre, then walk.
- Where to park
The monastery has no car park for visitors. In the Old Town you park on the surrounding streets, in the paid zones (parking meter or app), or in the underground and multi-storey car parks nearby. In the evening and at weekends spaces fill up quickly; the simplest is to leave the car further away and walk in.
- Fees & discounts
Entry is free. Donations towards the upkeep of the monument are welcome (donation details on the monastery's website). Candles are bought at the church shop.
- Rules
This is a working convent: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men bareheaded in the church), quiet, no food or drink. There is no known official ban on photography, but do not use a flash, do not take photos during services and ask if you are unsure. The church can be visited between services; the library and the collection are for research or documentation only.
- Facilities
church shop with candles · courtyard with lapidary · library and collection (access for research) · steps at the church entrance · cafés, restaurants and toilets in the Old Town, a few steps away · good mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Stavropoleos Monastery
How much is a ticket to Stavropoleos Monastery?
Admission to Stavropoleos Monastery is free. More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Stavropoleos Monastery?
Opening hours at Stavropoleos Monastery: daily 08:00 – 19:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Stavropoleos Monastery take?
A visit to Stavropoleos Monastery takes about 30 min (church and courtyard; estimate).
Can you visit Stavropoleos Monastery with kids?
Yes, Stavropoleos Monastery is suitable for children (quiet place, no play area).
Where can I park at Stavropoleos Monastery?
There is paid parking at Stavropoleos Monastery (Old Town, paid zone). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Stavropoleos Monastery?
Stavropoleos Monastery is located at 4 Strada Stavropoleos, Old Town, București. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Stavropoleos Monastery?
The best season for Stavropoleos Monastery: All year round (lovely in autumn, in the courtyard).
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