SAHARAN MONASTERY

After an apparition of the Virgin Mary on the cliffs of Saharna, the monk Vartolomeu Ciungu opened a monastery on the site of an old hermitage in 1776. The monks refurbished the cells and the church decorated with colourful frescoes. The number of monks grew steadily and in 1818 the construction of a stone church and annexes began. The work was completed in 1821 and in 1883 another church and other buildings were built. Religious objects of great value are present, such as a silver cross made of precious wood, an epitaph sewn with gold and pearls, a Gospel with a gold and silver cover with turquoise inscriptions. These objects were brought back in 1817 by Cossacks returning from the Napoleonic wars. At the beginning of the 20th century, the monastery was very active (agriculture, vineyards, crafts, livestock) and had 160 ha of land. In Soviet times, the monastery and annexes were converted into a hospital for disabled children. One of the two churches was used as a dance hall.

Going up the river along the gorges, you will see old troglodyte hermitages and then a miraculous spring. On the opposite slope of the monastery rise the rock and the turret of the Grimidon. In the morning, it is said that the monks look out the window in his direction and repeat a word from ancient times: "The Grimidon is as it should be, it means that all things are in their place". This rock represents one of the high vantage points of the Saharna landscape.