Viforâta Monastery
About Viforâta Monastery
Viforâta Monastery stands at the southern end of the village of Viforâta, in Aninoasa commune, a few kilometres north of Târgoviște, the old capital of Wallachia. It is a convent, also called Vihorâta or Viforăști in documents, first recorded in 1530 as a foundation of Prince Vlad the Drowned.
Its history is that of a place of worship rebuilt several times. Radu Mihnea repaired it after the sack of 1611, Matei Basarab, regarded as its second founder, brought nuns here in place of Greek monks, and in 1713 Constantin Brâncoveanu raised the precinct walls, built new cells, paved the church with stone slabs and renewed the painting. The earthquakes of 1802, 1940 and 1977 each damaged the ensemble, which was restored between 2015 and 2022.
What you can see
The church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God and Saint George the Great Martyr, has a triconch plan and two cylindrical towers. The porch is painted with scenes from the Apocalypse, and in the narthex you can see the votive portraits of the Great Ban Grigorie Brâncoveanu and his wife Safta; beneath them the faces of the earlier founders came to light in 1913. The linden-wood iconostasis is the work of the sculptor Karl Stork, from 1864, and the icon of Saint George, the church's patron, is in relief, encased in silver. The grassy courtyard is enclosed by cells with wooden verandas, and the bell tower, rebuilt after the 1940 earthquake, rises above the precinct. The monastery also has a museum with liturgical objects, old books and vestments.
Good to know
It is a working convent: enter in modest dress and keep quiet. The church is open at any time for prayer, and the convent can host pilgrims overnight, by reservation.
Information verified on 28 October 2026.
- The church porch, painted with scenes from the Apocalypse.
- The votive portraits of the Great Ban Grigorie Brâncoveanu and Safta in the narthex, beneath which the faces of the earlier founders appeared in 1913.
- The linden-wood iconostasis carved by Karl Stork and the relief icon of Saint George, encased in silver.
- The grassy courtyard, with cells with wooden verandas and roses at their feet.
- The monastery museum, with liturgical objects, old books and vestments.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the monastery is ~5 km north of the centre of Târgoviște (~10 minutes): leave the town towards Sinaia, and after the bridge a sign on the right points to the monastery, ~2 km away, on a road that leads straight to the gate. It is ~5 km (~8 minutes) from the Princely Court and ~6 km by road (~8 minutes) from Dealu Monastery. From Bucharest it is ~86 km (~1 h 50), and from Ploiești ~52 km (~1 hour).
Public transport: Târgoviște has a railway station, with trains from București Nord, and buses run from the town centre to the front of the monastery; the alternative is a taxi.
- 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 are taken only with the nuns' consent.
- Facilities
monastery museum · pilgrim accommodation, by reservation (~50 places) · restaurants and accommodation in Târgoviște
Frequently asked questions about Viforâta Monastery
How long does a visit to Viforâta Monastery take?
A visit to Viforâta Monastery takes about 45 min (church, courtyard and museum).
Can you visit Viforâta Monastery with kids?
Yes, Viforâta Monastery is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
How do I get to Viforâta Monastery?
Viforâta Monastery is located at Strada Mihai Viteazul 267, Viforâta village, ~5 km north of the centre of Târgoviște, Aninoasa, Dâmbovița County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Viforâta Monastery?
The best season for Viforâta Monastery: All year round (all year, close to town).
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