The spectacular monastery complex of Bârsana in the north of Romania was built in the 1990s according to the famous traditional timber construction method and is today one of the most beautiful oak buildings in the country.
The Mănăstirea Bârsana, the impressive monastery complex in the town of Bârsana in northern Transylvania, is one of the most beautiful and remarkable wooden buildings in Romania.
The monastery of Bârsana is located about 20km from Sighetu Marmației on the south-eastern outskirts of the village and was first mentioned in a document in 1390. The monastery complex, which is called Mănăstirea Soborul Sfinților 12 Apostoli (Monastery of the Holy 12 Apostles), was once one of the most important monasteries in Maramureș.
PICTURES: Monastery complex of Bârsana
The monastery complex dedicated to St. Nicholas was partially destroyed in 1791 and completely demolished around 1800. The monastery's belongings passed to the Greek Catholic Church of Bârsana and the monks had to leave the monastery and moved to Neamț Monastery, over 250 kilometres away.
It was not until 1989 that the decision was made to revive the tradition of ancient monastic life in Romania, and from 1993 onwards the new monastery complex of Bârsana was built - in traditional style, made entirely of oak wood and river stones and by regional craftsmen. The result is a modern yet historic masterpiece of Romanian wooden architecture, which has been in use as a Romanian Orthodox nunnery ever since.
Visit to the monastery of Bârsana
At first glance, the extensive monastery complex of Bârsana looks like a magical ensemble straight out of a picture book.
An idyllic garden spreads out around the monastery buildings, exuding an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity with its wooden bridge and pond, flowerbeds and paved paths, weeping willows and fruit trees. In the midst of this idyll, the impressive wooden buildings of the Bârsana monastery rise into the sky.
The first thing that catches the eye are the characteristic pointed roofs that also characterise the distinctive wooden churches of Maramureș, some of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these World Heritage churches was once the church of the monastery. It can also be found in Bârsana, on a small hill in the centre of Bârsana.
The monastery church of Bârsana reaches an immense height of 57 metres. Its elegant tower, adorned by a 500kg iron cross, makes the church itself seem almost puny. Perhaps this is also the reason for the summer altar, where outdoor services are held in fine weather.
In addition to the convent church, the Bârsana convent also includes the nuns' pretty residence with an impressive roof truss and a small museum with souvenirs and ecclesiastical art. The picturesque complex is entered through a pretty bell tower, also with a massive spire and iron cross.
Related links:
Official website of the Bârsana monastery complex (Romanian)
