Mânăstirea Tismana, Tismana, Romania

Historical Details

Build - Founding Year:

1378

History:

Founded in the late 14th century by Saint Nicodim the Pious, a monk originally from Prilep (now in North Macedonia). He founded earlier monasteries (like Vodiţa and Topolniţa) before settling at Tismana, inspired by solitude and divine vision. Construction began around 1375–1378, and the church was consecrated on August 15, 1378, dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God, confirmed by a charter from Voivode Dan I dated October 3, 1385. Built in a Byzantine‑style triconch plan, carved directly into rock on Stârmina Mountain, with three domes and thick stone walls—often likened to a fortress. The name "Tismana" refers to yew trees that once covered the area, and originally meant "fortified place" in the Daco‑Roman context—archaeological digs found traces of a Dacian fortress. Benefited from support by Basarab dynasty princes: Radu I, Dan I, Mircea the Elder. Later renovations by rulers like Neagoe Basarab (lead roofing in 1520), Radu Paișe (doors & frames in 1541), Matei Basarab (added hospital church & bell tower in 1650), Cornea Brăiloiu, Stanca Glogoveanu, and Constantin Brâncoveanu. Became a major cultural center: home to a scriptorium for copying church manuscripts and training monks, who later served as bishops or clerks. Served as a strategic stronghold during Ottoman, Tatar, and Austrian incursions: - hosted military operations (e.g., Barbu Brăiloiu’s defenses in 1716). - occupied by Austrians (1716–1739) and Turks in later decades, often damaged and looted Played a role in the 1821 Wallachian uprising: Tudor Vladimirescu used it as a base and issued his Padeș Proclamation there. The church was frescoed in 1564 by Dobromir from Târgovişte; further restorations occurred in 1733 and 1766, with the porch restored in 1983, and new frescoes by Grigore Popescu in 1994. Once housed a treasure trove of church art and manuscripts—many lost over centuries, though significant items like Saint Nicodim’s Gospel now reside in Bucharest’s National Art Museum. The monastery was converted into a nunnery in 1949, led by Hegumeness Ierusalima Gligor from 1958 to 2010.