Cernica Monastery: a lakeside monastic school just outside Bucharest
Cernica Monastery (Mănăstirea Cernica) is a Romanian Orthodox monastery on the shore of Lake Cernica, in the town of Pantelimon in Ilfov County, just outside Bucharest. Founded in 1608, it groups three churches and three chapels, and its cemetery is the resting place of many well-known Romanians.
Just beyond the edge of Bucharest, on the shore of a lake, stands a monastery that was once a monastic school. Between 1900 and 1904 the poet Tudor Arghezi lived here as a monk.
The history of Cernica Monastery
Cernica Monastery stands on the shore of Lake Cernica, in the town of Pantelimon, just outside Bucharest. It was raised at some point before 1608, and a charter of Prince Radu Șerban dated 29 May (8 June) of that year records its existence. Its founders were Cernica Știrbei, the great vornic (a senior court official) of Michael the Brave, and his wife Chiajna.
In the following centuries the complex grew into a genuine school of monastic life. Within its grounds three churches and three chapels were built. The main church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, was damaged in the earthquake of 1802 and repaired between 1809 and 1815 by Archimandrite Timotei. Another earthquake, in 1838, brought down one of its turrets, and a fire in 1923 added to the damage, so a major restoration followed in 1925. The church is Neoclassical in style, with Romanian decorative elements.
The church of Saint George was first built in the 18th century by Dan Brașoveanu. It was completely rebuilt between 1962 and 1964 and then strengthened again after the earthquake of 4 March 1977. Both Saint Nicholas and Saint George follow a trilobed plan, with lateral apses and prominent domes, and strong masonry columns carry the vaults of their naves and narthexes. In 1804 Archimandrite George built the small church of Saint Lazarus in the monastery cemetery, which is known for its rich exterior decoration.
The three chapels are the Dormition of the Mother of God, built in 1790, Saint John, built in 1842, and the Entrance into the Church. Between 1900 and 1904 the poet Tudor Arghezi was a monk at Cernica, and in later years the cemetery became the final resting place of many Romanian figures. The complex as a whole is on the list of historic monuments of Romania.
Curiosities about Cernica Monastery
- The poet Tudor Arghezi was a monk at Cernica between 1900 and 1904.
- The monastery cemetery holds the graves of the painter Ion Țuculescu, the theologian Dumitru Stăniloae, the writer Gala Galaction, the pianist Johnny Răducanu and the actress Stela Popescu, among many others.
- The complex counts three churches and three chapels, the oldest chapel recorded in the sources, the Dormition, dating from 1790.
- The church of Saint George was rebuilt almost from scratch between 1962 and 1964, and strengthened again after the 1977 earthquake.
- Earthquakes shaped the monastery: the main church was damaged in 1802, a turret fell in 1838, and the 1977 quake called for new consolidation work.
- The small church of Saint Lazarus, built in 1804 inside the cemetery, is noted for its rich exterior decoration.
Tours near Cernica Monastery
Experiences in the area that you can book online with Viator:
Visiting Cernica Monastery: what to see
- The three churches, Saint Nicholas, Saint George and Saint Lazarus, are the heart of the visit; the little church of Saint Lazarus stands in the cemetery.
- The cemetery is worth a quiet walk for its graves of well-known Romanian writers, artists and clergy.
- The monastery sits on the shore of a lake, so the setting is as much part of the visit as the buildings.
- It lies just outside Bucharest and is 11–13 km from Foișorul de Foc, Radu Vodă Monastery, Antim Monastery and Kretzulescu Church, which are also on this guide.
- It is a place of worship, so quiet and respectful behaviour is expected; check the current opening hours before you go.
Opening hours, access and conditions can change. Check before you go.
Map: where Cernica Monastery is
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Photos of Cernica Monastery
Questions
Where is Cernica Monastery?
It stands on the shore of Lake Cernica in the town of Pantelimon, Ilfov County, just outside Bucharest.
When was Cernica Monastery founded?
It was built before 1608, the year of a charter of Prince Radu Șerban that records it. Its founders were Cernica Știrbei, great vornic of Michael the Brave, and his wife Chiajna.
Who is buried at Cernica Monastery?
Many well-known Romanians rest in its cemetery, including the painter Ion Țuculescu, the theologian Dumitru Stăniloae, the writer Gala Galaction and the actress Stela Popescu.
How many churches does Cernica Monastery have?
The complex has three churches, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, Saint George and Saint Lazarus, and three chapels.
Did a famous poet live at Cernica Monastery?
Yes. The poet Tudor Arghezi was a monk here from 1900 to 1904.
What else can you see near Cernica Monastery?
Foișorul de Foc, Radu Vodă Monastery, Antim Monastery and Kretzulescu Church are 11–13 km away and are also described on this guide.
Also nearby
Foișorul de Foc
Bucharest · fire lookout turned firefighters’ museum
11 km away
Radu Vodă Monastery
Bucharest · monastery on a hill settled since prehistory
12 km away
Stavropoleos Monastery
Bucharest · 1724 Brâncovenesc church and nuns’ monastery
13 km away
Kretzulescu Church
Bucharest · Brâncovenesc church by Revolution Square
13 km away