“The Holy Trinity“ Monastery in Strehaia

Thematic Route: The Cultural Heritage Route

Name of the Touristic Attraction: “The Holy Trinity“ Monastery in Strehaia

Location: in Strehaia, Mehedinți County, at 48 km from Drobeta Turnu Severin. You can reach Strehaia on DN 6, the road that connects Drobeta Turnu Severin and Craiova.

Legend / Story / Impressions/ Recommendations: The monastery was built in the middle of the 17th century during the rule of Matei Basarab. The monastery ensemble, which consists of a tower, defense walls and the church itself, as well as the ruins of the old residences of the lords, is on the list of historical monuments in Romania. Strehaia Monastery is the only monastery in the country that has the altar facing south. The legend, also told by Nicolae Iorga himself, says that Mihai Viteazu, who was born in Strehaia, had built a church and because he built it during night, he was disoriented, thus the altar was built towards south. What is certain is that Matei Basarab has also maintained the same orientation. Other stories tell us that the reason why the altar is oriented to the south would have been a strategic one in order to induce the Turkish into misconception and disorientation. Another hypothesis is that it was oriented considering the winter solstice, because on December 22, between 8.30 and 9.00 A.M, the sunlight entering the window from the altar divides the church into two equal parts.

Information and Contact:

The church is administered by the Episcopate of Severin and Strehaia:

Phone: +4 0252 333 048, +4 0252 333 039,

E-mail: secretariat@episcopiaseverinului.ro

Website: www.episcopiaseverinului.ro

Route close to other Thematic Routes:

In the area you can also visit: