Saharna Monastery: A Moldovan Pilgrimage Site
Discover Moldova's spiritual heart at Saharna Monastery, a pilgrimage site surrounded by stunning natural beauty and ancient history.
Nestled in a picturesque valley in Saharna, Moldova, the Holy Trinity Monastery is a major religious pilgrimage center. It is known for its stunning natural surroundings, including rocky hills, forests, and the Saharna River with its many waterfalls. The monastery houses the relics of St. Cuvios Macarie and is associated with the legend of St. Maria's footprint on a nearby cliff.
A brief summary to Saharna Monastery
- 5431, Saharna, MD
- +37325478737
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and climbing, as the terrain around the monastery can be uneven.
- Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike to the waterfalls or the footprint of St. Maria.
- Dress respectfully when visiting the monastery (shoulders and knees covered).
- Consider visiting in the summer to enjoy the waterfalls and natural surroundings.
- Be aware that the monastery was once used as a psychiatric hospital during the Soviet era.
Getting There
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Bus and Taxi
From Chișinău, take a bus to Orhei. From the Orhei bus station, hire a taxi to Saharna Monastery. The bus journey to Orhei takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, and the taxi ride from Orhei to Saharna is about 45 minutes. The approximate cost for the bus is 80 MDL, and the taxi fare is around 300-400 MDL.
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Driving
Driving from Chișinău to Saharna Monastery takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 101 km. Follow the main road towards Orhei, then take the route to Rezina and Saharna. Parking is available near the monastery. Be aware that the road beyond Orhei may have some segments in disrepair. Fuel costs for the trip are estimated at 250-350 MDL.
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