Tismana Monastery, located 30 miles west of the town of Targu Jiu and 5 km north of the village Tismana, this facility is the oldest monastery in the Romanian country, having a role in maintaining orthodox faith throughout the ages. Tismana toponym comes from the word "fortified place of walls." But the name may be taken from the tree and "er" that these places once forested.
Tismana Monastery is "the oldest and grandest of the monasteries over the River" (as he called it Grigore Alexandrescu), "great nest of Bessarabia" (as George thought it Cosbuc), "a world of fantasies, fairy tales "(as a distinctly Vlahuta Alexander)," unparalleled even in this country, nor in another, the beauty of the place and settlement through the crowd and strengthen its natural water which has helped its surrounding walls and protection " (described as a famous traveler Paul of Aleppo - archdeacon Patriarch Macarius of Antioch and his companion on the journey of 1657).
In southern rock and the cave church of St. Pious was Nicodemus (26 dec. 1406), which led the hermit life. He founded the monastery in the fourteenth century with material support of the Basarab rulers, Radu I (1374-1385) of his sons, Dan I (1385-1386) and Mircea the Elder (1386-1418), was built on a site wooden hermitage.
Tismana monastery - the Monastery history
History of the oldest monasteries in the Romanian Country - Tismana - life as her saintly founder Venerable Nicodemus came much in the legend. The fame of the monastery which enjoyed uninterrupted and largely contributed to his placement charm.
Tradition says that the beauty of surroundings was very decisive in choosing the place and that Saint Nicodemus searched the valley for a long time "river of living water" to rock with waterfall Starminei. Indeed, all the beauties and riches of nature seem to have gathered here: strings whimsical reliefs peaks, trout-rich rivers, orchards and chestnut nuceturi who had to come a time in the monastery. Nicodim choice was determined, however, and most important reasons.
In thicket that surrounds both the founding legends of the monastery and its founder's personality, often contradictory data contained in the first studies on the monument, the researcher can hardly light.
Although the documents related to the monument are preserved abundantly, especially for more recent times, Tismana has no inscription carved in stone - the birth of our churches - not the endowment first royal charter. As Nicodim, data about its activity before and after the arrival of Romanian soil is extremely poor writing and the legend's life, quite late.
Tismana documents must be considered not in isolation but closely integrated complex of events that cross the Romanian's history in the last third of the fourteenth century. This time, the very foundation of a monastery is not only reflected one aspect of the struggle to preserve national independence and curb penetration Catholicism south of the Carpathians.
The last three decades of XIV century is precisely when Mr grouped under his leadership the resistance actions of the Orthodox peoples of southeastern Europe and Catholicism against the attempts of forced occupation of the Hungarian kingdom, encouraged by the Papacy.
In these circumstances, any effort to strengthen religious life, even in terms of its monastic implicitly mean an orthodox counter-measure. This explains the great support they gave to Vlaicu-Vladislav Greek monk Nicodemus Serb refugee from south of the Danube along the whole of our country's activities on earth.
From research result that the future abbot of the Romanian Country Tismana passed from the land Craine, by then Bulgarian Kingdom of Vidin, where developed land rich monastic activity, when this land falls - temporarily - under occupation catoloc Hungarian kingdom - 1370. Once he crossed the Danube with a small communal than 11 monks.
Vlaicu-Vladislav Nicodim receives as orthodox opposition representative in the Balkans, and, when requested, provide support for the foundation of a monastery north of the Danube. This first foundation Vodita, was richly endowed by the prince with villages and revenues.
Collaboration between state and head south-Danubian monasticism representative has a simple explanation. Orthodox foundation settlement on the western edge of the country, so that the Banat of Severin played the Romanian Country and Hungary, had to play a foothold among the state religion of Orthodox subjects of the realm, represented by the Romans cnezii Banat, Report documents her time in a continuous state of disobedience against the Hungarian crown.
But only a few years of their settlement here, "honorable monks between Nicodemus," and his congregation are forced to leave because the Banat of Severin and founded a date with him Vodita all her possessions are lost temporarily in the Romanian Country favor of the Hungarian kingdom, probably by 1375.
Losing hope for further work on Hungarian soil and Catholic, also left without resources, Nicodim pass in Serbia. Over less than a year comes back again and addresses the Romanian Mr - this time Radu I - asking for help to found a monastic sanctuary another Romanian land. Support was given immediately and for reasons easy to guess: the new monastery had been entrusted to take the role Vodita.
Nicodemus "was ordered to go inside the country so more of them Ungro-Wallachia, money Severin, not only to choose a nice place, according to" get tenure in common. " Place the settlement had to be at the same time as that of the endangered least Vodita and Banat, not far from the border, where Mr. Roman is not just quit at that time.
Radu I give a series of donations Nicodim as compensation for lost possessions and small communal Hungarian territory, counting now only 10 monks began to build the church Tismana water, especially after long searches at the site, near a waterfall.
Legend, fully formed since the seventeenth century, says the first sanctuary built on the rock below was built from wood Starmina a tis, a species of conifer to hardwood, reddish, from which it originated and the name of the monastery. But it is more likely, given the importance that is given, the church was at first a building wall must have had great similarities to that of Vodita.
Raising them can be placed between 1375 - when the refuge of monastic congregation Vodita - 1377-1378 and blessing on them, known from a note written on the back of a document from Dan II. The second recorded data can be taken for granted, "the church was consecrated in 6886 (1377-1378), our father Saint Nicodemus died in 6915 (1406).
Lord endowed the very first moments in the ground and foundation donations to ensure the maintenance revenue, led by brothers Nicodim. A decree from Radu I, but not kept, or that the donation has not received confirmation in writing, whether it was lost. But what is known in those donations have consisted of a 1385 decree from the son of Radu I, Dan I.
The same decree is clear that "I learned my reign in the country at a place called Tismana a monastery not get them completed all parts of that holy departed prince binecredinciosul Roger, father of my reign, lifted her from the corner, but he finally because of a short form of life. Therefore he delighted in me that as the prince, his son and successor, and in this, so my parent charity to renew and strengthen them with all the gifts and revenues, not only that, but and each time the monastery was given to my father, all to empower them and strengthen them. "
Also by this document and hardens Tismana mastery over all the possessions they had in the land Vodita Dan Severin I regained around that year. This congregation became the owner of extensive areas of both foundations and administratoarea (Vodita and Tismana) and Nicodim, abbot of both.
The next document is dated 1387 on Tismana first year of the reign of Mircea the Great. Reconfirming its possessions and rights, Mircea adds that he's returned to fulfill a duty "the imperfect" ambiguous forms which probably refers to the end of the cells or other monastic buildings.
Under the guidance of parent and beseeching, the priest Nicodemus, "a valuable contributor to three princes, who meet in the handicraft skills as a connoisseur of creation, the calligrapher and miniaturist, with the organizer of religious life, but also good manager of monastic property, community Tismana hardened every year.
Tismana Monastery - important cultural and religious
As a religious institution, Tismana enjoyed since the beginning of a special situation. It was a samovlastie, which is a monastic community of independent, not subject to any metropolitan Ungrovlahia nor that of Severin, being driven only by its own synod, ordinance that brought blessed Nicodemus of Mount Athos "after the death of Cyrus Nicodemus Volna not be put in place that neither Mr abbot or bishop, nor any other, but as you say and how you sit Chir Nicodemus, so keep the monks who are there and they put their own abbot. "
This ordinance shall be kept up late, being reminded all the royal foundation charter. In addition, the abbot Tismana and were given special awards: Nicodim received from the Patriarch of Constantinople, Filoti, the rank of Archimandrite and the right to do the job with bedernita (small piece of liturgical embroidery with special significance in the hierarchy priestly).
Until the sixteenth century, when the same award is given to the Diocese of Arges Monastery Archimandrite Tismana is unique in the Romanian Country. In terms of wealth monastery Tismana possessed at one century since the founding, the largest monastery in the principality field.
Monks 10 villages in the land they ruled the Romanian Country and 10 other villages in Serbia (donations of Prince Lazar), 40 room "aţigani" wheat from the county sage (Gorj today), Customs revenue from Calafat, and Valcan Bistreţ Pond, tithes from Bratilovo copper mines, fish ponds, grazing in the mountains Sorbele monopoly, Oslea, ox and Parang, and a series of annual revenues from the royal house.
As a true master of feudal rule Nicodemus resort to defend property. Even during the time of Mircea the Great some villages monasteries are exempt from taxes in exchange for the obligation to "make the guard" at the monastery.
Existing Nicodim church was not too long. Although the great number of decrees to strengthen preserved fifteenth century (from Vlad Tepes and Radu the Handsome, Vlad the Monk) shows that the monastery has continued uninterrupted activity as an institution, a cause until now obscure shrine led to ruin and made necessary a complete recovery of his own.
In fact, the very Life of Grace Nicodemus preacuviosului "written in 1839 by Stefan monastery monk, recorded oral tradition according to which" it is not that of intaiu which was made by St. Nicodemus struggle, by Radu Negru Voda "(ie Radu I) . In this respect there is much discussion of the second founder. Painted inscription in the nave, to paint the new church in 1564, still remembers a man named Roger. But Roger can talk?
He is identified when Radu I, founder of the early church, when Radu the Handsome (in "Nicodemus preacuviosului Life Grace" written by Stephen monk) when Radu Paisie (recorded in 1541 the inscription of the main door frame).
Stefan monk but retains a valuable identifier: this was his father Mircea Radu Shepherd, whom we know not to be other than Radu cel Mare. Corroborating historical data notes style arguments, one can say that the second building dates from the reign Tismana Radu cel Mare (1495-1508). She was one of the Wallachian architecture monuments of the early XVI century, a large church for those times, composed of the altar, nave and exonartex open, crowned with three towers.
But Radu cel Mare probably failed to finish construction. Only this explains the second gap in the history of the monument - no inscriptions carved in stone on the facade usually encased by, as shown for example Dealu Monastery, founded by the same ruler. The construction of the monastery and so Tismana continued under the next reign.
Neagoe Basrab a whole church covered with lead and other things have its origin. " How Tismana and he also gave a series of objects necessary for worship, it can be assumed that during his reign began to serve in the new church, although still not been painted inside. To give a temporary ornament, still wet plaster had been drawn on the red stripes.
In time Bob Paisie (named in the documents and Petru Voda), Abbot Basil puts the beautiful stone door frames (1541). In 1564, during the reign of Peter the Younger, depicts Balaceanu Nedelco magistrate within the church. Then sit down and painted inscription, is important both that the oldest attestation on behalf of the founders, as well as that noted painter name "Dobromir ot Targoviste.
In 1610-1611, a fierce marauding armies of Prince Gabriel Bathory brought damage the surrounding walls of the monastery. Before taking his rule, the walls closed Tismana, Matei Basarab resisted siege victorious armies sent against him by Leon-Voda.
Chronicle says "Matthew ceilalati aga and monastery were closed and three days sitting around Tismana gonacii monastery, nothing could hurt them, but at night they went out again and Transylvania.
As soon as it becomes Sir Matthew Basarab rebuilt inside and monastic buildings (1646-1651). He built the chapel, situated outside the enclosure at the eastern edge of the plateau. Several years after these changes, in 1657, Paul of Aleppo, his disciple, the archdeacon and the secretary of Patriarch Macarius of Antioch, visiting Romanian monastic settlements, is a first description of Tismana. His notes of travel are valuable information about many of the monuments of those times.
Describing the monastery entrance, from Aleppo Paul says he went "on a narrow path around the building before reaching the first window with iron. In this place is a tasnitoare water fountain and a tower above the sea which serves the goal are numerous battlements. After we passed through this gate, we reached a second, all of iron, which is above the bell. " The Cornea Brailoiu 1698, Craiova money, build houses egumenesti.
A time of danger and desolation begins to repeat once Tismana conflicts between Turks and Austrians. In 1716 the Turks plundered the monastery is returned from the siege of Timisoara.
Later, between 1718 and 1739 Tismana falls, with the entire Oltenia, under Austrian occupation. Teams of engineers inspecting the province of the imperial army soldiers to pick strategic points that had to be reinforced fortresses. Overall plan and vision made this occasion the engineer Johann Weiss, is the first known document of the monastery Tismana Graphic (1728-1731).
The monastery was forced by circumstances, especially in the seventeenth century and the eighteenth century, when the old fortress had been destroyed by order of the Romanian Country Gate, and serve as a fortress. Since 1605, the documents mention the existence of weapons of Tismana. In 1600, 1614, 1784, 1793, are renewed exemptions from taxes of some villages which were in turn double obligation to "guard plaiul" meaning boundaries from Transylvania and defend the monastery of thieves who often tried to prey.
At the beginning of the eighteenth-century painting of the old Dobromir of Targoviste "is very old." Abbot John, helped the Lady Glogoveanu Rock, which gave "aorul and vapseli, church painting restored in full. Inscription of 1732 mentions the painters hurt Gligorie, Ghiorghita and Tudor.
Three years later, other craftsmen including Vasile Diaconu, they sign on the main spire of the church. Also during the eighteenth century were a series of works carried smallest, the nozzle location of the lateral apses, enlargement of windows, and equipping the church with carved wooden doors, the temple and various items of furniture.
In the 1766 run in a second campaign, a new series of paintings, probably the later part of the church and the exonarthex disappeared. Founded and this time is Glogoveanu Rock and painter Dimitrie Diaconu.
Between 1787 and 1792, when there are new conflicts between Turks and Austrians of Turkish soldiers are "ordained to the monastery to the wintry mountains and on guard." Tismana suffer heavy damages on this occasion: the bell The gates are taken and brought to the city Vidin, lead from the roof (4600 OCA) is high, the treasure is hidden treasures in caves. Many of them were lost. The monks have lived for nearly 10 years wasted on Mount Cioclovina horror. Only in 1798 the abbot Manastireanu Stefan manages to make some repairs to the walls of the enclosure and to reorganize the life of monks.
Over two decades, beginning Pandours movement, Tudor Vladimirescu monastery walls used to "guard yourself in" the stewards of Oltenia placed. Later here will join two squads of dolphins led Macedonski D. and D. Garbea, totaling about 3,500 people. If the number of monasteries that Strehaia 1821, Cozia, Polovragi have served as bases for the resistance of the insurgents, Tismana was undoubtedly the most important of them.
On June 1, 1971, celebrating a century and a half after the revolution of Tudor Vladimirescu here to set a memorial plaque with the following inscription: "Tudor Vladimirescu Tismana Monastery organized a training base of the revolutionary movement of 1821."
In 1844 began an era of great changes for the ancient monument, but who have not had the happiest results. Mr. George started the initiative to restore Bibescu oldest historical monuments and signs of the country, these works were executed by foreign architects and at a time when neo-Gothic style was mainly in Europe, also a stranger, and without roots in our traditions. Bibescu aspired to transform the southern part of the monastery in the royal palace.
Schlatter architect and craftsmen have built on the site of its ancient monastic buildings in the style of traditional architecture, front loaded with Western neo-Gothic ornamentation, in obvious contrast to the shrine in the center of the enclosure.
Tismana Monastery - the central church
As the church itself, by demolishing the exonarthex opened in 1855, and eliminating room cripple the church body and supported on both sides of the corridor as part of the narthex and nave, Schlatter has caused an irreparable loss.
Besides, he knocked it buttresses the altar, carved facades modenatura replacing the old one with a wooden mortar imitating stone, enlarged windows, opened new ones, changed the layout of the aisles firidelor and built a new entry, inappropriate the old monument.
Only by comparing the results with black and white layout made by the monk Dionysius diadoh pomelnicul monastery since 1840 and overview of the Weiss engineer, you can find out how to Tismana changed after the campaign. No painting of the monument has remained untouched. In 1844 a painter without talent, Alecs in Campulung, the lower registers repainted in oil to just below the windows.
Historical Monuments Commission conducted the first scientific research in the spirit of modern restoration in 1934. They have resulted in an indication of old forms of church.
The restoration works were resumed only in 1954. Commence within a decade, with the support of the Department of Historical Monuments Metropolitan of Oltenia, in the Metropolitan Firmilian Archpriest, ripped facades and pickling, revealing paintings by Dobromir of Targoviste in the narthex of the church, while doing the extraction and museum exhibition of paintings superimposed layer of eighteenth century. Sinaxar Only 304 paintings were recovered.
In 1970 there have been important archaeological excavations in the survey, with the opportunity to discover the foundation of another house of worship the three-cusped plan, built of river stone and brick Romanian prior to construction Nicodim.
We have made restoration of the two churches, hermitages, roof and floor under the direct supervision and guidance of Dr. Nestor Vornicescu Metropolitan of Oltenia, historical researcher and passionate discoverer of the past.
By restoring the big church porch in 1983, returned to the monastery Tismana original architectural form, authentic Romanian. On this occasion the towers were rebuilt roofs, decorative elements were removed Romanian foreign architecture, have strengthened the south and west wings were modernized conditions for hosting the believers and the staff compound.
Tismana Monastery - architecture and ornaments
The architecture is Byzantine monastery Tismana specific XIV century, approaching the contemporary architecture of the churches in Macedonia and Mount Athos, representing the Romanian construction features.
The present church of the monastery is built directly on the rock in triconical plan, with towers on the nave, narthex and porch. The iconostasis is made of oak (1765-1766), post-Brancoveanu style, with floral ornaments plated with gold.
The altar is lit by a large window in the center of the east wall, the other lower right wall and another of the same double window on each side, equipped with metal grille, and one small window on each wall, under a canopy.
The narthex is dim as the two windows are placed on top of walls. Each porch has four large windows on every wall in the west, north and south. Exterior facades are not painting, are painted in white and the walls surrounding buildings.
The great church was painted in 1564 by the painter Dobromir of Targoviste, subsidized by the great magistrate Nedelea action. The Byzantine style fresco fresco plaster applied over the first monochrome. In 1732 it was rebuilt and the nave altar painting.
In the narthex, was not destroyed fresco in 1564, but it was applied over the new fresco dated 1766, artist is Demetrios Deacon. In 1814, the first register of the altar and the nave, icons and imperial doors were painted in oil over the painting of 1732, Alex Painter in Campulung Muscel.
Starting in 1955, was etched painting of the church in 1766 and executed on the walls of the monastery museum flush corridors and cells. The chapel, which has several windows donated by the poet George Cosbuc was painted in 1948 by painter Dimitrie Nicolaide. In 1994 the painter painted the church porch in Campulung Muscel Gregory Smith, in Byzantine style. Here, for the first time are painted saints and sanctified straromanii discovered in recent years.
In 1979, the osardia group of nuns and Mother Jerusalem ABBESSES Gligor, there was a silver coffin, made by artist George Stoica, Bucharest. Inside it are three bits of the holy relics of St. Nicodemus (finger), St. Ignatius and St. John Chrysostom, together with the cross worn by Saint Nicodemus lead. On the cover enamelled medallions are presented in these saints. outside, the shrine, are rendered scenes from the life and miracles of St. Nicodemus. Coffin is placed in the nave on the left side in front.
In the nave are the tombs of two founders Matthew Gloveanu (1731), right, and Rosita Braileanu (1747), on the left. Tomb of St. Nicodemus, passed away on December 26, 1406, is in the church porch at this time is celebrated the second dedication of the church.
Much of the valuables of the Monastery are available at the Museum of Art, among which the most important is Tetravanghelul St. Nicodemus. The monastery museum has a rich collection of murals (paintings in 1766, coming from the nave), old wooden icons, religious objects, old books, a schedule, and a epitrahil bedernita that belonged to St. Nicodemus.
Tismana Monastery - location and access roads
The monastery road leading Tismana desfatatoare, unforgettable. One of these paths starts in Drobeta Turnu-Severin, through the gate motors. The city on the banks Danubiului, DN 67 new mining settlement is reached Motru.
A county road connects with the Black Water village situated at a distance of 29 kilometers, where it will branch to the right, until Tismana area. The other route starts from Craiova to Targu-Jiu and continue on Route 67. At 82 km branch to make Tismana and Baia de Arama.
