Harbovet Assumption monastery

Distance from Chisinau: 80 km

Trip to the excursion place: 1-1,20 hour

Duration of the excursion: 8 hours

The Moldavian monasteries personify not only religious, but also unconditional cultural and historical value. The monastery in orthodox Moldova means not only a monastic community and the cultural and educational center, as it is in the Catholic countries. Many Moldavian monasteries are original monuments to the military successes of the local sovereigns, major of them are the fortresses protecting not only the brotherhood, but also the locals from encroachments of Turkish and Tatar conquerors.
The Harbovet monastery was constructed in 1730 by Konstantin Carpuz (or Karbuz), Hojinesti, on the Ikel river bank. It is approximately 65 km from Chisinau, near the village Harbovet. The monastery grew from the ancient Harbovet monastery founded according to some data in XVII century, while the other say it was erected much earlier. As to the name of the monastery there are several versions. The first one says it originates from Moldavian «harbi» - a hill, as the monastery is located on the slope. Another version explains the name with the physical defect of the first abbot of the monastery Ioannikiy Horbaty. According to the third version, the name "Harbovet" originates from the Latin word "herba" (herbs). As the proof for this version they mention the fact that the many of curative herbs are growing in the monastery vicinities. 
Monastery was ruined three times and burnt up by Turks and Tatars therefore its appearance has nearly traces of the Middle Ages. Both its temples, Assumption and Dukhososhestvensky were constructed in XIX century .
The first one has been constructed in 1816 on the place of old wooden church by former Chisinau policemaster Stepan Lupov who subsequently took the vows of schema, and his wife Elena, nee Braesko, subsequently became the nun of the Taborsky monastery. The main relic of Moldova was stored in this temple – the Harbovet icon of the Virgin, famous for numerous miracles. It was ordered in St. Petersburg by the wife of the Russian colonel Albaduev who died in this monastery. The icon is kept in the monastery till now and works wonders. 
The second temple was constructed in 1870, the deeds of the Moldavian sovereigns were kept here, the most ancient of them is aged  the end of XV century. 
Besides, in the monastery the known seminary student, the mogilevsky and galitsky archbishop Anatoly lived here after retirement and was buried here. 
Recommendations for the tourist:
• convenient footwear and clothes
• for women: strictly long dress and obligatory covered head,
• camera 
• pay your attention to the picturesque nature around
 
Services of the guide: Russian, Romanian, English, German languages
Transport services: Minivan, Minibus, Bus  
 

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