Capriana Monastery

Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

Located in the Capriana village, somewhat 40 km north from the Chisinau, Capriana Monastery is a place that deserves a visit.

Capriana Monastery is a must stop on your way to or from Chisinau, that located in deep forests of the Codrii of Lapusna, and is one of the oldest Monasteries of Moldova. It was first mentioned in 1420 in document claiming land ownership of a landlord. It was then mentioned in 1429, when Alexandru cel Bun, the lord of Moldova, claimed it to become the Royal Monastery.

Archive photo. Date unknown, author unknown. Image courtesy of fototecaortodoxiei.ro

It is a place that has a central role in Moldavian culture & tradition, since it’s image can be found on stamps, 1 lei banknote and on coins.

Image courtesy of the National bank of Moldova

Capriana Monastery on a commemorative coin.

There is a pond on the right side of the complex, that leaves beautiful reflections on the water when the weather is still.

Pond. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

Entrance is free of charge and is done via the entrance gates. There is enough parking space in front, if you happen to arrive here by car (which we suggest you do).

Entrance gates. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

Inner yards open up in nice curves & supplementary buildings. There are cats around, and it’s very quiet.

Gardner doing his chores. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

The Church of the Virgin’s Assumption. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

Landscape and location reminds us of calm, silent hills of Switzerland. It is true that you find yourself in a different kind of Moldova, in Moldova full of forests and chilly air.

A view on the Codrii. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

From the inside a magnificent view on the Church of St. George opens up. It is a representation of the late baroque style and was built in 1907.

The Church of St. George. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

We were right on time inside and experienced a ceremony. If you want to know their schedule, please inquire it from the staff directly (you’ll have contact details below the article).

Ceremony in progress. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

The view from above. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

You can spend quite some time walking the inner and outer space of the Monastery complex. There is a shop working for you in case you fancy a handcrafted souvenir from this part of Moldova.

Gift shop. Image courtesy of Dmitri Moruz

Entrance fee:
Free of charge

Hours:
Open every day of the week
9am–8pm

Contact:
+373 237) 22 365
+373 237) 68 321

Address:
Capriana village, Straseni, Moldova

Getting from Chisinau:
Bus departs Chisinau at 8:15
To inquire departure times please call +373 22 411 338
Ticket price estimate is 7 lei
Travel time estimate is 15-20 minutes