The Tipova Monastery

Situated near the locality with the same name, Tipova Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the Republic of Moldova. The monastery is spaded in stone on the bunch of Nistru River. The monastic complex portrays an image of an impressive museum. The monastery comprises three monastic complexes. First complex comprises temple with Holy Cross festival and some cells; it is situated at a great distance and it is hardly accessible. The foundation of the complex dates from XI – XV centuries.

The second monastic complex includes St Nicholas temple, it was spaded in rock stone in XIV – XV centuries. The third complex dates from XVI – XVIII centuries and encompasses 18 separate rooms joined via interior passage. According to an old legend, the Greek mythological poet Orpheus died at Tipova Monastery. He was buried on the cascade valley and it is not difficult to recognize his grave, as there are six apertures slabs on it.

In 1842 the hermitage was destroyed. Since then, the monastery land was given to Capriana Monastery and the hermitage itself to Saharna Monastery. In 1919, under the leadership of Archimandrite Mitrophor Sofronie Neaga who came from Saharna Monastery, the Tipova hermitage obtained independence.

In 1949 the monastic complex was closed and dispossessed of land. The monastic complex situated on the hill was taken over by the agricultural local husbandry. The temple became a tobacco deposit, the hermitage being cleared out and demolished.

In 1990, a group of archeologists from Saint–Petersburg found a skeleton in the monastery basement, dating from the end of the XV century. According to historians, Stefan cel Mare si Sfint frequently was visiting these lands during his battles against Tatars. An old legend tells that the great lord (Stefan cel Mare) married to one of his wives in the Tipova monastery, who after her death was buried at this holy place. In 1994, Tipova Monastery was reestablished.