The Monastery and Cave of Saint Andrew

The Monastery of the Holy Apostle Andrew is a unique Orthodox monastic complex in Romania, built around a natural cave approximately 16.85 m in length, situated at an altitude of 71 m, near the commune of Ion Corvin, Constanța County, less than 2 km from Cișmeaua Mihai Eminescu. According to Christian tradition, the Holy Apostle Andrew — the brother of Peter and the first preacher of Christianity in what is now Romania — lived and preached in this cave, which is why he bears the title "Apostle of the Romanians". Saint Andrew is considered the patron saint of Romania and of wolves; his feast day — 30 November — is a national holiday. The cave fell into obscurity during the period of Ottoman rule and was rediscovered in 1943 by priest Constantin Lembău and lawyer Ion Dinu, who re-consecrated it in 1944 by constructing a turret and a protective wall. The complex fell into neglect again after 1989, when development works were resumed and continue to this day. Today the complex comprises: the cave itself, fitted out as a rock-hewn church with an altar and icons; an above-ground church with neo-Byzantine architecture featuring mosaic friezes and a campanile; monastic cells; the monastery's spring — believed by the faithful to have healing properties — and an outdoor chapel. A few hundred metres away lies Pădurea Eminescu, a place where the great poet stopped and drew inspiration during his travels through Dobrogea. The monastery is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Dobrogea, with the largest influx of pilgrims on 30 November and during summer weekends.