Using the peace from the Wallachia borders, which his ruled at that time, Constantin Brâncoveanu comand in the summer of 1600 the construction of one of his most valuable foundations - Hurez Monastery. The artisans that designed it, as the workers who have put the stones of its walls have had much ingeniosity and skill. The harmony of the proportions, the ordered composition, the unity of style of the whole ensemble of this monastery, the painting as well asthe decorative motifs carved in stone prove the oneness and the value of the brâncovenesc style. Today, Hurez Monastery is considered as the most representative monument of the 17th century in Wallachia's architecture.

Placed at the bottom of the mountains, in the heart of the forests, near the foundations of the voivode family - Bistrita of the Craiovesti and Arnota of Matei Basarab - Hurez Monastery is raised by Constantin Brâncoveanu with the thought that it would be a shield against the attacks of the Western part of the country.

From its building, Hurez Monastery was witness of many events, suffering also many deteriorations. During the Russian-austro-turkish war from 1787 the lead roof of the big tower, the icons and windows, the furniture from the boyard houses and cells were destroyed. During the revolutionary movement from 1821 of Tudor Vladimirescu, Hurezu was used as fortified center with provisions. The many repairs and modifications from 18th and 19th centuries have altered the originality of the façades and of the interior architecture.

At the end of the 17th century, at Hurez Monastery was a real painting and sculpture school which influence was experienced till late in al Wallachia. The leader of the painters team was Constantinos who, together with the Romanian artisans, have made the paintings from Hurez. In the painting ensemble are evident the features specific to the brâncovenesc epoch painting: realistic manner in the portraits, expresing even human feelings - as the founder portrait - using of some elements from real life.

During the resting hours in the cells of this monastery were translated by learned monks "Flower of Gifts", which will appear in 1700 at Snagov, and "1001 Nights". Great culture lover, Brâncoveanu had put together a big library even since he was only a boyard. In 1860 Al. Odobescu, researching the archieves and the libraries of some monastires finds at Hurez the books brought here after the executions of the Wallachian voievode.

Last update: 1999, August 20
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