Clocociov Monastery

Clocociov Monastery is an Orthodox monastic complex located in the southern part of the municipality of Slatina, Olt County, in a depression flanked by hillsides, close to the Olt river. It is considered one of the oldest monasteries in the country, although its exact origins are unknown, as the original foundation inscription — likely made of wood — has not survived. The first documentary attestation dates from the early sixteenth century, in a property exchange deed issued during the reign of Neagoe Basarab. The principal documented founder of the monastery is Prince Mihai Viteazul, who rebuilt it from the foundations in 1594 and endowed it with donations. The church is considered his second foundation in Țara Românească, after the Mihai Vodă church in Bucharest, and the voivode is depicted alongside Lady Stanca in the votive painting on the western wall of the nave. Following the earthquake of 1628, the monastery was severely damaged and was substantially rebuilt in 1645 by vel aga Diicu Buicescu, a nephew of Prince Matei Basarab, to whom the addition of a massive porch, a bell tower, and the enclosure wall are also attributed, in the style characteristic of the Matei Basarab era. The church is dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Over the centuries, the monastery went through periods of decline, having been affected by looting, the secularisation of monastic estates, the First World War, and earthquakes, falling into disrepair at certain points. Monastic life was renewed beginning in 1976. Today it functions as a convent, is listed as a historical monument, and retains mural paintings that are largely from the seventeenth century.