The ensemble is a category A listed monument (LMI code IF-II-a-A-15312) and holds 4.2 on Google from more than 2,200 reviews.
About the place
The monastery stands on an island in the northern part of the lake, within Snagov commune; you reach it on a footbridge from the village of Siliștea Snagovului, in Gruiu commune, or by boat. The church of the Presentation of the Virgin was built of bare brick in the reign of Neagoe Basarab (the national monument list dates it to 1517). The narthex paintings date from 1563, by Dobromir the Younger, and those in the nave and altar from 1815. Beside the church stands the bell tower, from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Tradition says that Vlad the Impaler, killed in 1476, was buried here under the slab in the nave, in front of the royal doors; Dinu V. Rosetti's excavations of 1933–1934 could not confirm it. The monastery once had a printing press, and Antim Ivireanul was its abbot from 1694 to 1705. The island is now in the care of the Archdiocese of Bucharest.
Good to know
- Google lists daily hours from 7:00 to 17:00; dress modestly.
- From Snagov village it is about 12 km by car to the entrance on the Siliștea Snagovului side; bus R446 comes from Piața Presei Libere in Bucharest, and the stop is about 800 metres from the island.
- At weekends the Fundația Snagov boat also runs 90-minute trips that stop at the island.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.