Icon Monastery

A corner of paradise in the Subcarpathian Depression

The Holy Monastery of Icoana is a monastic settlement of a special beauty, situated in a picturesque natural setting at the foot of the Parâng Mountains. Located in the commune of Crasna, in the village of Cărpiniș in Gorj County, the monastery offers visitors an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of the Oltene Subcarpathian Depression. Access is easy, being located about 40 km from Târgu Jiu and only 10 km from Novaci, the starting point for the famous Transalpina road.

History and foundation of the settlement

The founding of this place of worship in the Archdiocese of Craiova is closely linked to the activity of the „Icoana Welfare Committee” in Bucharest and the generosity of the family of priest Ioan Popescu. In his capacity as parish priest of the „Icoana” Church in Bucharest, he donated the land needed to build the monastery.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Nestor Vornicescu and the approval of the Holy Synod, in 1996 the monastery was officially established for a community of nuns. The sacrifice of many faithful made it possible to build this place of prayer, which continues to grow steadily.

Architecture and evolution: From wood to wall

Initially, monastic life was centred around a wooden church, which served as the main place of worship until 2011.

Wooden Church of the Nativity of St John the Baptist„

This traditional construction was built of wooden beams on a solid foundation of stone and concrete. The nave-shaped structure is classically divided into an altar, a nave and a small porch supported by wooden pillars, with a simple plank roof.

The new Church of Saints Martyrs Brâncoveni„

Due to unfavourable climatic conditions, in 2008 work began on the walled church. Completed in 2011, the new church is dedicated to the Holy Martyrs of the Brancovan Martyrs and was later decorated with frescoes. Although a relatively young building, it has already become an attraction for pilgrims in search of a new „corner of heaven”.

Useful information for visitors

• Localisation: Cărpiniș village, Crasna commune, Gorj county.
• Access: From Targu Jiu (40 km) or Novaci (10 km).
• Objectives nearby: Rânca resort and Crasna hermitage.
• Contact: The Stavrofora Teodora Ilie | Phone: 0745.524.524.953.