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The monastery behind the first book printed in Romanian
The Negru Vodă Monastery complex has great historical value and is made up of several buildings put up over eight centuries. The Princely Church has been rebuilt three times. The present building dates from 1827-1832 and stands on the same spot, reusing the materials of the old church.
Negru Vodă is considered the founder of the church; he is said to have built the first church here in 1215. Matei Basarab is seen as the second founder of the complex. He rebuilt the church, added the bell tower, strengthened the walls and set up the first printing press here, where the first book of teachings in Romanian would be printed.
The church holds the oldest tombstone of a Romanian ruler, that of Nicolae Alexandru Basarab, who died on 16 November 1364.
5 km from Mălinului Resort, in the centre of Câmpulung Muscel.
An hour, or two if you want to go inside the church and see the Princely House.
All year round. Services are busier in summer, and spring is the quietest time.