Saharna Monastery

Name: Saharna Monastery
Address: 5431, Saharna, Moldova, Rezina, MD
Telephone: +373 254 78 737
Price range: budget
Rating: 4.8

«Pearl of Bessarabian monasteries» — Holy Trinity Monastery in Saharna (1776), Saint Macarius's relics + Mother of God's footprint in the rock.

4.8 · 1827 reviews· Rezina

Budget< 300 leiCovered head110 min from ChișinăuBoth

What makes it worth it

Pilgrimage to Macarius's relics + canyon path with waterfall + Mother of God's footprint in rock.

The story

Saharna Monastery (110km north of Chișinău, right bank of the Nistru in Rezina district) is one of Moldova's oldest monastic settlements and the «pearl of Bessarabian monasteries». The complex consists of: the rock-cut monastery (Annunciation patronage, dating uncertain, very old) + the surface Holy Trinity monastery (founded 1776 by monk Vartolomeu Ciungu with permission from owner Enache Hrisoverghi, who gave him 120 desyatins of land). Two unique relics in Moldova: Saint Cuvios Macarius's relics and, on one of the complex's rocks, the footprint left according to legend by the Mother of God. The village of Saharna is first attested in 1495, under Stephen the Great. Today it is the country's main religious pilgrimage centre.

What to expect

Best at

MorningAfternoonAt sunset

Duration2-5 h

Ideal group1-30 people

LanguagesRO · RU

SeasonApr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct

Good for

Cultural discoveryNature adventureWith familyRelaxed eveningTourist weekendFirst-time visitor

Also at this venue

Outdoor activitySaharna WaterfallCascada îngheţată iarna și mănăstirile săpate în stâncă pe malul Răutului

Gallery

What people love

«Pearl of Bessarabian monasteries»
unique relics of Saint Macarius
Mother of God's footprint legend
rock-cut + surface complex
founded 1776 by Vartolomeu Ciungu
major Moldovan pilgrimage centre

Photo moments

canyon with monastery in valley
Saharna waterfall
Mother of God's footprint in rock
white church against Nistru backdrop
pilgrims with candles

Ambiance

Family-friendlyGroup-friendlyInstagrammableWalk-ins OKParking

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What visitors wrote

“Saharna Monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place, surrounded by nature and history. The main church and the cave chapels carved into the cliffs give it a unique atmosphere. You can really feel the spiritual vibe of the area. The walk around the monastery is calm, but if you go further toward the cave and the holy spring, be ready for some hiking. The path can be a bit steep…”
— Kevin Papazian 5
“A fantastic place to visit, tucked away in a valley between two hills. A variety of different buildings, with beautifully decorated cupolas. Make sure to take a walk through the woods at the back”
— Geoff Keys 5
“I traveled 150 km by bus to visit this monastery. The journey included a scenic return walk of nearly four hours through the mountains. Despite the long trip, the experience was rewarding and the serene surroundings made it worthwhile. # Moldova”
— T. GeBrim 5