Horaița Monastery, Crăcăoani is located 6 km from the road that connects the cities of Târgu Neamț and Piatra Neamț. It was founded in the first half of the 19th century, but there are sources that mention the church from Horaița during the reign of Alexander the Good, in the 15th century. The name of the monastery refers to the names of the landowners who owned the commune of Crăcăoani and its surroundings: Goraeti.
The courtyard has a rectangular shape, surrounded by cells or passageways. The buildings built after the 1900s, have a traditional style, specific to the German mountain area.
The church of Horaița monastery was built for 19 years from stone and brick vaults. It has elements of Roman-Byzantine architecture, but also Russian influences, and the painting is in neo-Byzantine style. The church has an imposing size both in space and in terms of wall thickness, which can reach up to 4 m. The 8 towers represent the eternity of the church that emerges from the words addressed to St. Peter the Apostle by the Savior Jesus.
The iconostasis is characterized by a diversity and attention to detail. Specific to this church is the arrangement of the registers and the fixing of the iconostasis on the wall.
Neo-Byzantine painting on a brick background, which makes it different from other churches, was made about 30 years ago.
An important value for the monastery has the icon of the Mother of God, rescuer from drought, which is taken out in procession by the Spring of Healing at the Horăicioara Monastery.
Prince Carol was detained here for 75 days after fleeing to Odessa and marrying Zizi Lambrino. He admits in his writings that it is “a charming corner, at the bottom of one of the enchanting mountain valleys.”
Unique elements of Horaița Monastery:
– the pulpit at the catapetesmas is unique in the country by positioning on the east side
– architectural style with Roman-Byzantine elements, but also Russian (they 8 towers)
– here is the only church (chapel) dedicated to the Baptism of the Lord in Romania
The alley leading to the monastery is like a gateway to a fairytale world, where peace and relaxation last.
