Săpânța-Peri Monastery

A Bridge Across Centuries: Săpânța-Peri Monastery

Săpânța-Peri Monastery represents a revival of the Maramureș monastic tradition, inextricably linked to the ancient Peri Monastery, whose ruins now lie in Ukraine. Founded in 1391 by the grandsons of Voivode Dragoș, the original monastery was a major spiritual and cultural center, hosting the seat of the Romanian Episcopate of Maramureș. Here, the first religious texts in the Romanian language were translated and copied, including the Psalter, the Gospel, and the Voroneț Codex, marking a pivotal moment in Romanian cultural history. Charters from 1404 document the donations of Voivodes Balc and Drag, which strengthened the monastery’s possessions, including villages and a mill on the Săpânța Valley. Destroyed in 1783, the monastery remained only in collective memory until its reestablishment in 1997 on the banks of the Tisa River, in the village of Săpânța.

Architecture and Symbolism

The monastery’s church, built between 1998 and 2003 according to the plans of architect Dorel Cordoș, blends traditional Maramureș elements with impressive monumentality. Standing at 78 meters tall, its gilded spire—visible from five kilometers across the Tisa—ranks as the fourth-tallest religious structure in Romania. Initially plated with 8.5 kilograms of gold, the church and its seven-meter cross, covered with four kilograms of gold, shine as a spiritual beacon for Romanians in Transcarpathia. The architectural style adheres to the Maramureș canon, with influences from Byzantine and Gothic art, reflecting the region’s cultural continuity.

Visitor’s Guide

Săpânța-Peri Monastery is located on the outskirts of Săpânța village, near the border with Ukraine, accessible via the county road connecting the locality to Sighetu Marmației. Visiting hours can be confirmed on-site, and entry is through the inner courtyard, where the nuns’ cells are also located. The monastic community, consisting of six nuns under the guidance of Abbess Stavrofora Agnia Ciuban, preserves the traditions of prayer and hospitality. Visitors can admire the church’s sculptural details, interior frescoes, and the tranquil atmosphere of the monastery, which remains a symbol of spiritual resilience across time.