The main building at the medieval Eastern Orthodox Capriana Monastery in Capriana, Moldova
The Capriana Monastery) is one of the oldest monasteries of Moldova, located in Capriana, 40 km (25 miles) north-west of Chisinau. Established in medieval Moldavia, Capriana is situated in a picturesque forested area once called Codrii Lapusnei. The first significant reference dates from a document issued in 1429 that gave Capriana the status of royal monastery on behalf of Alexander the Good. In this deed the holy abode was referred to as "manastirea de la Vașnovaț unde este egumen Chiprian" (the monastery of Vasnovaț where the hegumen is Chiprian) and was given in the possession of Alexander's wife - princess Marena. After a period of decay, the monastery was rebuilt at the behest of Petru Rares, from 1542 to 1545. There are three churches on the monastery site. The Church of the Dormition (a stone summer church) is the oldest extant church in Moldova. The winter church of St George is a twentieth century building. The nineteenth century church is dedicated to St Nicholas. The Church of the Dormition contains the tomb of Metropolitan Gavril Banulescu-Bodoni.
Size: 5760px × 3840px
Location: Capriana Monastery, Capriana, Moldova, Europe
Photo credit: © DE ROCKER / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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