Ciuflea Monastery
A stunning 19th-century nun monastery in Chisinau, known for its vibrant blue facade, golden domes, and peaceful spiritual ambiance.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience peace and quiet
Ciuflea Monastery
Best Time
Experience peace and quiet

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning 19th-century nun monastery in Chisinau, known for its vibrant blue facade, golden domes, and peaceful spiritual ambiance.
"The church's beautiful blue colour with the golden top makes it a striking feature in the city of Chisinau."
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. A scarf for head covering is recommended for women.
🤫 Quiet Reverence
Maintain a peaceful demeanor inside; it's a place of worship.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Striking Blue Facade
Iconic light blue walls topped with gleaming golden domes, a truly unique sight.

Tombs of the Founders
Pay respects to the brothers who founded this historic 19th-century monastery.

Intricate Interior Decor
Marvel at the detailed walls, ceilings, furniture, sculptures, and paintings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Attire is Key
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. A scarf for head covering is recommended for women.
🤫 Quiet Reverence
Maintain a peaceful demeanor inside; it's a place of worship.
🛍️ Souvenir Shop
Find thoughtful gifts and religious items in the onsite shop.
🌿 Serene Gardens
Take a moment to relax in the well-kept garden.
Tips
from all over the internet
👗 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. A scarf for head covering is recommended for women.
🤫 Quiet Reverence
Maintain a peaceful demeanor inside; it's a place of worship.
🛍️ Souvenir Shop
Find thoughtful gifts and religious items in the onsite shop.
🌿 Serene Gardens
Take a moment to relax in the well-kept garden.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ciuflea Monastery is praised for its stunning blue and gold architecture and the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere within. Visitors appreciate the well-preserved interior art and the serene gardens. Some note that communication can be limited due to language barriers with the nuns.
"Mănăstirea Ciuflea is a Moldovan Orthodox monastery with a history that dates back to the 19th century, when it was built by two brothers. The brothers are buried at the entrance to the church on the right.
The church's beautiful blue colour with the golden top makes it a striking feature in the city of Chisinau. But not only that, the earnest prayers inside were more heartfelt than I have felt in a long time."
T. GeBrim
"Beautiful monastery in the outskirts of Chișinău.
When I entered , the liturgy was almost over .
The monastery itself is big and old .
This is a nun monastery. Many don't speak romanian.
You can stay here over night but you have to talk to priest Nicolae about it .
Overall nice"
Travellingaround
"I have never seen a such amazing orthodox monastery, with its beautiful light blue colour and its golden domes. Inside you can feel a sense of peace."
Simone Giovanni Cardia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ciuflea Monastery is located close to the city center of Chisinau. You can reach it by a short taxi ride or a brisk walk from many central locations. Public transport options might also be available; check local bus routes for convenience.
Yes, its distinctive blue color and golden domes make it a landmark that's relatively easy to spot as you approach the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Typically, there is no entrance fee to visit the monastery grounds or the church itself. Donations are always appreciated to help with upkeep.
The monastery is generally open during daylight hours. However, it's a functioning nun monastery, so hours can vary, especially around religious services. It's best to visit during the day for a peaceful experience.
Yes, it is possible to stay overnight, but you will need to speak with Priest Nicolae in advance to arrange this.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Modest dress is required. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Women may also want to bring a scarf to cover their heads, especially if attending services.
Ciuflea Monastery is a nun monastery.
Inside, you'll find intricately adorned walls and ceilings, along with an impressive collection of furniture, sculptures, and paintings, all meticulously preserved.
The monastery has a souvenir shop where you can purchase gifts and religious items. There are also well-manicured gardens to enjoy.
Many of the nuns may not speak Romanian, so communication might be limited.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's always best to be discreet and respectful. If unsure, look for signage or politely ask a monastery representative before taking photos inside the church.
The exterior, with its striking blue and gold, is a prime photo opportunity. The well-maintained gardens also offer picturesque settings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When visiting, ensure children are dressed modestly, covering shoulders and knees, to adhere to the monastery's dress code. While the interior's religious art might be less engaging for very young children, the overall serene atmosphere can be a calming experience. The souvenir shop offers a chance for kids to pick out a small memento.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Attending a service, if timing permits, can be a particularly moving experience. Remember to dress modestly and maintain a quiet, contemplative attitude. The opportunity to potentially stay overnight, by arranging with Priest Nicolae, offers an even deeper immersion into the monastic rhythm.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural and Historical Significance
Inside, the monastery is a testament to Orthodox artistry. Visitors can admire the intricately adorned walls and ceilings, a rich collection of furniture, sculptures, and paintings, all meticulously preserved. Despite its grand exterior appearance, the church itself is described as remarkably compact, offering an intimate spiritual experience.
The monastery is a functioning nun monastery, contributing to its serene atmosphere. While many visitors find the prayers inside to be heartfelt, it's important to remember it's a place of active worship. The well-manicured garden provides a peaceful retreat, complementing the spiritual ambiance of the monastery.
Visitor Experience and Etiquette
It's crucial for visitors to adhere to the monastery's etiquette. As a place of worship, modest attire is essential, with shoulders and knees needing to be covered. Some visitors suggest bringing a scarf for head covering, particularly for women. Maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor is paramount to preserving the serene environment for worshippers and residents alike.
Beyond the spiritual aspects, the monastery offers practical amenities like a souvenir shop for purchasing gifts and religious items, and a well-manicured garden that provides a lovely space for quiet contemplation. While many nuns may not speak Romanian, the overall experience is often described as 'nice' and 'beautiful,' making it a worthwhile visit for those seeking a peaceful and culturally rich experience in Chisinau.
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