Founded in an hidden place around the end of the 14th century by the monk Nicodim the Tismana Church was ruined at the end of the 15th century. On the same place Radu cel Mare built one of the most important monuments of the Wallachian architecture from the begining of the 16th century. During Neagoe Basarab's times the church is looked with interest and is covered with lead. In 1564, the painter Dobromir from Târgoviste enrich the beauty of the monument. From his frescoes were kept till today some scenes and a panel with the portret of four ladies.

Along the time the monastery was attacked and robed. The surrounding walls were restored during the ruling of Neagoe Basarab, rewarding Tismana that defended his against enemy attacks. The conflicts between Turks and Austrians from the 18th century were new dangers and ravages. The gates of Tismana will be taken to Vidin Fortress, from where will be brought back only in 1877.

In 1821, Tudor Vladimirescu had ordered the gathering of the Pandours from Tismana Monastery. Even having an important role in the resistance, the monastery falls quickly in the hand of the Turks, because of the lack of ammunition and the treason of some leaders. In the monastery many hours were spent for learning, so Tismana become one of the first cultural centers in Wallachia. From the rich treasure of the monastery only a few things were left after the ravages. Among them is the oldest silver object known in Wallachia - the censer from Tismana, dated at the end of the 14th century, the begining of the 15th century (today being at the Aret Museum) and the oldest manuscript - the four gospels of Nicodim, dated 1405-1406.

Other links:

• Monastery Site

• tismana.cjb.net
• www.allwebconcept.com/eglise/tismana
• www.geocities.com/tismana_ro/manastirea

Last update: 2005, September 16
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