Монастырь Фрумоаса

Frumoasa Monastery is a men's monastery located on the bank of the Ichel River. It is surrounded by picturesque hills, gardens and vineyards. Its history began in 1804, when Efrem Iurcoia, a widower, came here from the village of Oliscani and wished to spend the rest of his life dedicated to the Lord. Four of his like-minded companions, Serafim, Ionakie, Macarie and the monk Anastasie, followed him to spend their time in solitude and prayer. In 1806, the monks founded the first wooden skete, where they continued to live. In 1851, the church was completely rebuilt in stone. The icon of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was blessed in 1810 and fitted with a wooden iconostasis. The name of the Frumoasa Monastery, which means "beautiful", comes from the beautiful places surrounding it. Originally it was called Frumușica (meaning beautiful). Much later, the monastery was reorganized as a women's convent. The monastery has the Church of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. The monastery complex consists of two churches – a summer and a winter one. Starting in 1947, the monastery passed from hand to hand and became an orphanage, and later even a school for children with intellectual disabilities. In 1994, Frumoasa Monastery was re-established and reopened to parishioners. Today, a museum housing priceless icons has opened in one of the buildings. It is positioned so that, together with the monasteries of Hârjăuca, Hârbovăț and Răchiți, it forms a cross.