The monastery dedicated to Saints Archangels Michael and Gavriil is one of the oldest in Romania, with beginnings not clearly documented, which led to the loss of initial details. Michael the Brave is believed to have been one of the founders, and the monastery was substantially rebuilt by Matei Basarab and Diicu Buicescu in 1645. Tradition says that Matei Basarab built the monastery in gratitude for escaping the Turks.
In the 17th-18th centuries, the monastery was known for its riches and was dedicated to the Cutlumuș Monastery in Mount Athos. It suffered significant damage in the 18th-20th centuries due to looting, war and earthquakes. In 1976, Hieromonk Visarion Coman and several nuns began the restoration of the complex, badly damaged after the 1977 earthquake.
In 1980-1981, the church and other buildings were restored, and the monastery was strengthened and covered with copper sheeting. The interior of the church was painted by Nicolae Pană in 1937, and the repainting was supported by Bishop Nichita Duma and other benefactors. The monastery has a museum with a collection of ancient Romanian art, including icons, decorative objects and illustrated books.
Currently, the monastery is home to 40 nuns, the abbess being Stavrofora Iulia Băgăceanu, and the servant Fr. Nicolae Bălășoiu.
Sursa: www.episcopiaslatinei.ro
