📷 Photo by Thomas Isbister on UnsplashCozia Monastery
Călimănești, Romania
A monastery founded in 1388 by Mircea the Elder on the bank of the Olt in its narrow gorge through the Carpathians. The church has fine frescoes; there is a small car park by the main road.
Cozia Monastery near Călimănești in Vâlcea County (Wallachia, Romania) stands on the right bank of the Olt. Voivode Mircea the Elder, who ruled Wallachia from 1386 to 1418, had it built: construction began in 1387, it was consecrated in 1388 and completed in 1391. It was first called “Nucetul” (walnut grove); its present name comes from nearby Mount Cozia.
The triconch Church of the Holy Trinity combines Byzantine, local and Serbian Morava forms with alternating courses of stone and brick. The original frescoes of 1390 to 1391 include a votive portrait of Mircea. Mircea’s tomb lies in the church. The smaller Bolnița church of 1543, originally a hospital chapel, has well-preserved frescoes. In 1707 Constantin Brâncoveanu added a veranda, a fountain, a chapel and a guard tower.
Cozia is still an active monastery and pilgrimage site. As a visitor, behave accordingly with restraint.
- Nearest town
- Călimănești, Romania
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 45.2705, 24.3395
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Romania: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping CamelotCampsite2 km from Cozia MonasteryCaravans
- Cazare TurnuCampsite3 km from Cozia MonasteryTents
- La 3 StejariCampsite4 km from Cozia Monastery
- Teren de CampingCampsite10 km from Cozia Monastery
- CampingCampsite11 km from Cozia Monastery
- Camping DraculaCampsite25 km from Cozia MonasteryTentsCaravansShowersToilets
All campsites in Romania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Cozia Monastery?
Cozia Monastery is in Călimănești, Romania, at GPS 45.2705, 24.3395. It is about 23 km from Arefu.
Can you camp near Cozia Monastery?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Camelot, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Cozia Monastery?
Cozia Monastery is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Transalpina and the monasteries of Oltenia.
What is there to see near Cozia Monastery?
Places worth a stop nearby: Horezu Monastery (28 km), Transfăgărășan (43 km), Polovragi Cave (44 km) and ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization (55 km).
When is the best time to visit Cozia Monastery?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)