The Rupestral Monastery in Şinca Veche, a Wonder dug into the Rock
10.04.2010
| The rupestral monastery in Şinca Veche, Braşov County, is a religious place estimated to be over 7,000 years old. The underground church is located in a thick forest, on the Pleşu Hill, and attracts thousands of pilgrims both from across the county and abroad. |
One can reach the rupestral monastery in Şinca Veche, known for a long time as the “Sprite Temple” or the “Monastery dug into the rock”, located between Braşov and Făgăraş, along the national road DN68. The religious place is situated 2 kilometres away from the eponymous commune and approximately 45 kilometres from Braşov. The locals believe that, by taking part in the services held here, they always receive positive energy, and the young people believe that, by coming to the “temple”, they will soon find their destined partners and, thus, their wishes of marriage will come true.
One can go into the building via a narrow tunnel. The first chamber of the rupestral monastery resembles a real church, whose vault has been dug so that the sunlight might break in. The top of the spire is like a window from where a sun’s ray reaches straight to the altar. In the second chamber of the building, one may find symbols such as the Star of David and an hour-glass symbolising the principle of Yin-Yang.
In other chambers, the windows, which are extremely narrow, are cut sideways so the monks walk around with their prayer books during the service according to the sun’s rays. The church has two altars which probably come from the union of two underground churches. In total, the building had nine chambers, interconnected via galleries, but some of them have collapsed due to rainfall and treasure hunters. But it has been more than mere past treasure hunters in the bid to uncover Dacian jewellery that have left their mark on the area, some of nowadays’ visitors have scribbled things on the building walls, thus destroying the drawings on the rock walls and have given today’s restorers much to work on.
Nonetheless, the people from the area have always been fascinated by the power of this religious location, which is why they would go into the galleries and leave icons, clothes, food and water there, in hope that they would be charged with energy and, later, they would take them back home. The local legends also mention that the rupestral monastery is home to paranormal phenomena, such as visions and the appearance of “white” balls in photos. All these legends, as well as the people’s wish to collect their thoughts in a special place bring countless pilgrims, both from across the country, and abroad, to the galleries of this place. The mayor of the Şinca Veche commune, Victor Bârlez, acknowledges that the rupestral monastery is a major tourist sight in the area considering the numerous buses filled with tourists that stop by Şinca Veche.
The rehabilitation of the religious location, in view of its being visited by as many believers as possible, is supported by Mrs. Maria Bâgiu Marino, an epidemiology physician in Braşov who, having retired, has founded the “Holy Mother – Unexpected Joy” Orthodox and Cultural Foundation. The rupestral monastery is promoted by means of a blog of said foundation which allows a virtual tour of the area.
| “In the days of the persecution of Maria Theresa, when the forced catholicising of Ardeal was targeted and, in Ţara Făgăraşului alone, over 400 monasteries were destroyed, the monks hid underground to keep the light of orthodoxy alive. Through prayers and the sacrifice of people, the place has acquired a great deal of grace from God and, hence, even the stones appear to be praying and serving God here, below the ground” , Maria Bâgiu Marino stated for www.sincaveche.ro/blog/. |
Online resources:
“Monasteries Triangle” to attract thousands to North Dobrogea
Rohia Convent and Pintea's shadow, the cultural assets in Lăpuş Country
Keywords: Şinca Veche communeBraşov Countyrupestral churchtourism