Sightseeing in Moldova: The Tipova monastery - cave legends
Chișinău / Moldova.ORG/ -- The realm where nature, faith and history have merged in an eternal connection is the Tipova Monastery.
The monastic complex consists of two monasteries tied together by stairs, interior passages and balconies.
Both are carved in the steep bank, 90-100 m high, of the Dniester river, which enhances the beauty of the place.
One monastery has its beginnings sine the XI-XII centuries, and the second: VI-VIII centuries.
By whom and when the monastery was established remains a mystery of history.
It is assumed that the cave rooms were dug by the natives to escape the attack of the Tartars, and later, monks founded here an hermitage which then became monastery.
In 1776, the hermitage was renovated by the monk Bartholomew, founder of the Saharna monastery, and church services were resumed.
The Tipova monastic cave complex is, according to experts, the largest in Moldova and one of the largest in Eastern Europe.
A total of 18 rooms are carved into the rock, with the most impressive church dedicated to "Assumption", spacious, painted and a hemispherical shaped ceiling, imitating the dome.
Beautiful and enigmatic, this is the land of legends.
One legend tells that Stephen the Great would marry Maria Voichita in the monastery. Locals say that at sunset you can meet a lady dressed in a white dress that haunts the monastery cells.
It is supposed to be Mrs. Maria Voichita or her daughter Marushca.
Another legend is connected with the ancient poet Orpheus, who had been exiled to these places and would have died here.
His tomb would be located in a niche at the foot of the waterfalls, being recognized as a tombstone with holes. Experts acknowledged that there was found such a stone.
Is that true? We do not know, but we can confirm with certainty that the Tipova monastic complex is one of the oldest and most valuable historical monuments of the nation.
Supported and embellished by nature, with its Tipova river and 16 m high waterfalls, flowing into the Dniester river, the monastic cave complex fascinates and conquers whoever has ever stepped this land.
Comments