Plizio Visual Lab
Hîrbovăț Monastery
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
The Hîrbovăț Monastery is a significant spiritual center in central Moldova, located in the scenic Călărași district. Founded in 1730 by boyar Constantin Carpuz, the monastery was originally built of wood and suffered multiple destructions during Tatar and Turkish raids throughout the 18th century. It is most famous for housing the Wonder-working Icon of the Mother of God of Hîrbovăț, which was donated to the community in 1790 by the family of Colonel Nicolae Albaduev. The current stone church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Mother of God, was constructed in 1816 and showcases classic Moldovan religious architecture. During the Soviet period, the monastery was closed in 1962 and transformed into a school for children with disabilities, which led to significant damage to its heritage. Since its restoration and reopening in 1992, the monastic complex has been meticulously renovated, reclaiming its role as a major pilgrimage site and a guardian of Orthodox traditions in the region.
- Location: Moldova
- Top sights: Mănăstirea Hîrjăuca · Izvor amenajat · Biserica de lemn ,,Sfintul Dumitru" (1927)
- Nearby: Călărași (11 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -2 | 4 | 10 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 17 | 10 | 4 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 36 | 33 | 37 | 48 | 57 | 73 | 69 | 43 | 39 | 46 | 38 | 37 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Hîrbovăț Monastery is open to visitors, showcasing its namesake church housing the miracle-working icon of the Mother of God of Hîrbovăț. Inside, you can admire the iconostasis and frescoed walls and attend religious services.
Typical hours
Monasteries in Moldova typically open early morning and close in the evening, with closures during midday and services. For Hîrbovăț, it is advisable to call ahead for opening hours as they can vary seasonally.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the monastery courtyard, but inside the church only without flash and with the monks' permission. Respect the sacred atmosphere and avoid taking photos during services.
Time needed
Allow about one hour to visit the church, venerate the icons, and take a short walk around the monastery grounds. If you wish to attend a liturgy, allow an extra 30-45 minutes.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby town of Călărași, which has some historic buildings and a market. The Hîrjauca Monastery with its mineral springs is also a short drive away and complements the trip well.
Getting there
The monastery is about 60 kilometers northwest of Chișinău near Călărași, accessible via the M1 and local roads. A private car is most convenient, but buses run from Chișinău to Călărași, from where you can take a taxi.
Insider tip
Visit the church in the morning when the bells ring and the atmosphere is especially solemn. Don't forget to buy a candle and light it before the miracle-working icon, as per Orthodox tradition.
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1730 by the boyar Constantin Carpuz.
- Houses the Wonder-working Icon of the Mother of God (donated in 1790).
- The current stone church was completed in 1816.
- The monastery was officially closed by Soviet authorities in 1962.
- Served for decades as a boarding school for children with disabilities.
- Reopened as a monastic community in 1992.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Hîrbovăț Monastery (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important relic of Hîrbovăț Monastery?
The monastery houses the miraculous Icon of the Mother of God of Hîrbovăț, one of Moldova's most revered icons.
In which region is the monastery located?
It is located in the Călărași district, amidst the rolling hills and forests of the central Moldovan Codru zone.
When was Hîrbovăț Monastery founded?
It was founded in 1730 by Ioan Lupu, although it was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history.
Can the churches be visited?
Yes, the complex includes two churches, the summer church and the winter church, which are open to visitors.
Are there accommodation options?
The monastery features simple accommodation for pilgrims; however, prior notice is recommended.
Hîrbovăț Monastery: where is it located?
Hîrbovăț Monastery is located in Moldova.
Hîrbovăț Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mănăstirea Hîrjăuca, Izvor amenajat, Biserica de lemn,Sfintul Dumitru" (1927).
Hîrbovăț Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Hîrbovăț Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
The Hîrbovăț Monastery is a significant spiritual center in central Moldova, located in the scenic Călărași district.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Moldova →
Nearby cities
Bălți
Bălți is the economic and cultural hub of northern Moldova.
Rîbnița
Rîbnița is a major industrial city on the left bank of the Dniester in Transnistria.
Ungheni
Ungheni is located on the border with Romania, on the Prut River.
Durlești
Durlești is a suburb of Chișinău, part of the capital municipality.
Dubăsari
Dubăsari is a city on the Dniester in Transnistria.
Hîncești
Hîncești is located southwest of Chișinău and is famous for the impressive Manuc Bei Manor.
Codru
Codru is a city within the Chișinău municipality.
Ialoveni
Ialoveni is located south of Chișinău and is world-famous for its wine production.
Sîngerei
Sîngerei is a city in northern Moldova.
Fălești
Fălești is a city in northwestern Moldova.
Făleștii Noi
Făleștii Noi is a locality near Fălești.
Călărași
Călărași is situated in a picturesque hilly area in central Moldova.
Nisporeni
Nisporeni is located in a hilly region in western Moldova.
Rezina
Rezina is located on the right bank of the Dniester, opposite the city of Rîbnița.
Cricova
Cricova is world-famous for its massive underground wine cellars.
History & landmarks
Chisinau City Hall
The Chisinau City Hall is a historic monument built in 1901 in a Venetian Gothic style.
Mileștii Mici
Home to the world's largest wine cellar according to Guinness World Records, featuring over 200 kilometers of underground limestone tunnels.
Saharna
A major spiritual center of Moldova, famous for its cave monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, and 22 scenic waterfalls on the Saharna R…
Codru Highlands
The Codru Highlands form the geographical center of Moldova, characterized by highly fragmented hills and deep valleys.
Nature
More places
Hîrjauca Monastery
A historic monastery in a picturesque setting, famous for its spa center and curative mineral waters.
Răciula Monastery
A nunnery in central Moldova, known for its embroideries and traditional rural atmosphere.
Valea Mare Mansion
Architecturally significant 19th-century mansion.
Călărași Monastery
Historic 18th-century monastery building near Călărași.
Cornesti Archaeological Park
A site with archaeological finds from various centuries.
Frumoasa Monastery
An architecturally significant monastery in the Codru forest, whose name 'The Beautiful' reflects its aesthetic appeal.
Plaiul Fagului Reserve
Plaiul Fagului protects a unique ecosystem of beech and oak forests in the northwestern part of the Codri region.
Beech Land Reserve
This protected area in the Ungheni district is known for its extensive beech forests, which are atypical for Moldova.