Râncăciov Monastery, dedicated to the Entry into the Church of the Mother of God, is located 7 km north of the old Pitesti-București road, in Râncăciov village, Călinești commune, Argeș county. The archaeological research of the Argeș County Museum showed that there were two churches here previously.
The first mention of the monastery appears in a charter of voivode Radu cel Mare, dated July 19, 1498, indicating that the place existed since the time of Vlad Călugărul. Another charter from the 15th century, by Radu Paisie, confirms the existence of the monastery and the donations received. Originally built of wood on a stone foundation, the current brick church was built in 1648 by Arsenie Șoimul si Râncaciovanu and restored between 1848-1852. The monastery was re-established in 1996.
From the original complex, only the church is preserved, built in the shape of a cross with walls over one meter thick. The altar and the nave are spacious, and the pediment is made of wall. The great spire and nave are characteristic, having windows at various points for lighting. The church has an open porch supported by two imposing pillars.
The mural painting, in neo-Byzantine style, dates from 1848 and was redone in 1945. The church has valuable liturgical books, wooden icons and other church objects, and the door and window frames are made of Albești stone.
20 m south-west of the church, there is a small building with a carved wooden canopy, housing the abbot and the monks' cells. The courtyard of the monastery is fenced and landscaped with concrete paths, lawns with flowers, grass and coniferous trees.
Sursa: ro.wikipedia.org