Pilgrimage to the monasteries of Japca–Cușelăuca–Rudi

Meeting point and departure time:

• 33 Circului Street (Chișinău Circus) - 06:00

Price includes:

• Visiting the destinations indicated in the program
• Round-trip transportation
• Licensed guide

Price does NOT include:

• Meals

Excursion program:

1. Japca Monastery

In the village of Japca, there is a nunnery dedicated to the "Ascension of the Lord," founded in the 17th century. The first documentary attestation of the monastery dates from 1693. It is believed that a monk from the Deleni Monastery (on the right bank of the Prut) came here at the end of the 17th century and dug a church in the rocks on the Dniester River dedicated to the "Exaltation of the Holy Cross," founding a rock hermitage where he lived with several brothers.
Japca Monastery preserves the most faithful copy of the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary from Hîrbovăț, painted in 1853 during the time of Archimandrite Ieronim.

2. Cușelăuca Monastery

Cușelăuca Monastery has a rich history, founded in 1786 by Maria Tocanosov, later becoming the nun Mitrodora.
Initially, the monastery was built as a small wooden church, followed by the summer church dedicated to the "Dormition of the Virgin Mary" in 1836, founded by Archimandrite Nicandru.
The relics of Saint Agafia, who passed away in 1873, are kept in a beautifully decorated shrine; visitors testify to numerous healings after prayers at her tomb, as she is known for alleviating the suffering of the sick.

3. Rudi Monastery

Located in a picturesque corner of the Soroca district, Rudi Monastery (or Rudi-Arionești) is one of the most isolated and peaceful nunneries in Moldova.
The "Holy Trinity" Church of Rudi Monastery, built between 1770 and 1777, is unique in Bessarabia for its medieval Moldovan architectural style. This church is rare, preserving architectural features from the reign of Stephen the Great.
The monastery is situated on the right bank of the Dniester, surrounded by ancient forests and steep cliffs, offering an impressive natural landscape. This isolated location contributes to the atmosphere of tranquility and contemplation at the monastery.

 

Tips for tourists:

For a successful trip, we recommend:

• Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for visiting monasteries (women should wear a skirt and cover their head).
• Bringing packed food.
• Having a pen and paper.
• Bringing a bottle for holy water.