Radu Voda Monastery (Manastirea Radu Voda)

History

Radu Voda Monastery was founded in 1568 by Alexandru II Mircea (also known as Mircea Ciobanul’s son), making it one of the oldest religious foundations in Bucharest. The monastery takes its name from Radu cel Frumos (Radu the Handsome), the brother of Vlad the Impaler, though the current church was built later.

The monastery has survived an extraordinary sequence of disasters. It was severely damaged by earthquakes in 1738, 1802, and 1838, rebuilt each time, and then nearly destroyed during the Ottoman-Russian conflicts that periodically swept through Wallachia. The current church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, dates primarily from renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries, though elements of the original 16th-century structure survive.

During the communist era, the monastery narrowly avoided demolition. When Ceausescu’s urban replanning destroyed much of the surrounding neighborhood in the 1980s, including the nearby Uranus area, the monastery was spared — but moved. In a remarkable feat of engineering, the entire church was shifted 245 metres on rails to its current location to make way for new construction. The move damaged some of the interior frescoes but saved the building.

What to See

• The church of the Holy Trinity — a blend of Wallachian and Byzantine architectural styles, rebuilt and restored over centuries
• Interior frescoes — some dating to the 18th century, including scenes from the life of Christ and saints, partially restored after the communist-era relocation
• The bell tower — an imposing structure that dominates the monastery courtyard
• Royal and princely tombs — the monastery houses the graves of several Wallachian rulers and noble families
• The peaceful courtyard — a quiet garden oasis elevated above the busy streets, with benches and mature trees
• The monastery walls and outbuildings — remnants of the fortified complex that once enclosed the entire hilltop

Tips for Visiting

It is an active monastery. Services take place daily, usually in the early morning and evening. Visitors are welcome but should be respectful — lower your voice, dress modestly, and avoid flash photography inside the church.

The location is slightly hidden. Despite being close to the city center, the monastery sits on a hill above Strada Radu Voda and is easy to miss. Look for the bell tower rising above the trees.

Photography. Exterior photography is fine. Inside the church, ask permission before using a camera, and never use flash.

Getting there: The nearest metro station is Piata Unirii (M1, M2, M3), about a 10-minute walk south and uphill. The walk takes you through a neighborhood that still shows traces of the communist-era demolitions.

Combine with: Patriarchal Hill (Dealul Mitropoliei) is a 10-minute walk west and offers a complementary experience of Bucharest’s religious heritage. The Old Town is 15 minutes north on foot.

Is It Worth It?

For anyone interested in Bucharest’s layered history, yes. Radu Voda Monastery is not the most spectacular church in the city, but its story — surviving earthquakes, wars, and being physically moved by a communist regime — makes it one of the most compelling. The courtyard is genuinely peaceful, and the frescoes, while partially damaged, reward close attention. It pairs beautifully with a visit to the Patriarchal Hill.

A Glimpse into the Past