Stavropoleos Monastery courtyard

The courtyard of Stavropoleos Monastery, on Strada Stavropoleos in the Old Town of Bucharest, is one of the calmest corners of the Romanian capital. The monastery was founded in 1724 by the Greek monk Ioanikie Stavropoleos, and its church and cloister are celebrated examples of Brancovenesc architecture. Visitors entering from the street step into a small walled garden surrounded by arcaded galleries, where carved stone fragments, tombstones and crosses are set along the walls, many with finely cut floral motifs and Greek or Romanian inscriptions. The church portico, with slender columns and sculpted capitals, is the most striking feature and is best photographed from the middle of the courtyard. A small museum and library nearby hold religious icons, books and Byzantine music manuscripts. The nuns of the community sing Byzantine chant during services, and the music drifts into the courtyard in the morning and evening. A visit usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and the best moment is mid-morning outside service times, when the light is soft and few other visitors are present. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, and keep voices low, because the monastery is an active place of worship. Entry is free, and donations help the upkeep of the buildings. Photography is generally accepted in the open air but should be discreet. The courtyard lies a few steps from Strada Lipscani, Hanul cu Tei and the National History Museum, so it slots easily into a walking route through central Bucharest, Romania. In winter the stone details are quiet and uncrowded, while in spring the planted beds add colour.