Curchi Monastery · Mănăstirea Curchi
Curchi Monastery (1773) - Curchi brothers, 5 baroque-classicist churches, UNESCO monument, 2704 reviews.
Guided tour of 5 churches + hermitage with arhondaric + evening service.
A must - one of Moldova's most impressive monastic architectural ensembles, in the Orhei Codri forests. Pairs with Old Orhei.
Curchi Monastery in Codrii Orheiului (Curchi village, Orhei district) was founded in 1773 by brothers Iordache and Mihail Curchi. The first church (St. Demetrius, 1775) was wooden, built by Iordache Curchi as founder and first abbot. The 18-19th century architectural ensemble includes 5 churches, two cell buildings, abbot quarters, a hermitage with arhondaric 500m away, a stone basin and an orchard. Architectural styles: the «Nativity of the Mother of God» church (1775) - baroque with classicist elements; «St. Nicholas» (1808-1810) - classicism with a neo-Byzantine spire. Listed among the monuments of national importance protected by the state (not UNESCO). Destroyed in 1958 by the Soviet regime (icons smashed, 4000 volumes burned, churches turned into warehouses); restored after 1989. Today - among the largest and most visited active monasteries in Moldova.
- founded 1773 by Curchi brothers
- 5 different churches in 1 ensemble
- UNESCO architectural monument
- baroque + classicist + neo-Byzantine styles
- in Codrii Orheiului
- restored after Soviet destruction 1958
- St. Nicholas façade with neo-Byzantine spire
- surrounding Codrii Orheiului forest
- inner courtyard with 5 churches
- pilgrims at service
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“Beautiful 18th century monastery complex. Very peaceful (minus the leaf blower). Transport: You can take a marshrutka from Chisinau Bus Station to Ghetlova, it stops right outside the village. You may wait a while for a return, we ended up hitchhiking to Ohrei.”
“Curchi Monastery is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve visited in Moldova. The architecture is stunning the main church with its red and white colors really stands out, and the whole area is surrounded by nature. The gardens are very well kept, and the atmosphere is calm and relaxing. It’s not a big complex, but it’s perfect for a quiet walk or some reflection.…”
“A must-visit gem tucked away in the Moldovan countryside! Curchi Monastery is not only visually stunning from the outside — with its vibrant baroque facades and manicured gardens — but it truly shines when you step inside. Both the old and new churches showcase breathtaking interior beauty: intricate frescoes, golden iconostases, and a quiet reverence that draws you in. Even th…”
- modest dress required
- guided tours at fixed hours
- no café on site