"Saint Nicholas" Monastery, Fâstâci

For anyone who crosses its threshold, the "Saint Nicholas" Monastery in the village of Fâstâci is an oasis of tranquility and a place for spiritual recharging. Here, time dilates, the soul is embraced by peace, the church being "like a silent, beautiful hymn of this valley".

The monastic ensemble at Fâstâci catches attention being situated on the highest peak of the forest. The place was also called "Sălbaticul" (The Savage) because once a man withdrew from the world there. It is also said that from here, Ștefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great) started the new battle at Podul Înalt.

The facade of the church has a unique beauty and delicacy. We have two decorative registers separated by a semicircular profiled frieze. The upper register is adorned with vegetal motifs, framed in brick corners, while the lower one consists of a series of tall trilobate arches.

This led architects to say that the decoration is a "testimony of past craftsmanship" that cannot be imitated or completed where it has deteriorated.

Currently, the monastery hosts workshops for crafts and creation: manual work, crosses, bracelets, icons using the technique of attaching lithographs on wood. So, you have plenty of choices for a souvenir to remind you of the experience here! Additionally, there are other tourist attractions you can visit: Copou Park, Summer Theater, and the Princely Courts in the city of Vaslui, located very close by.

The first church in the ensemble was built in the 17th century, and later, in 1721, Voivode Mihai Racoviță erected the current church.

Many years later, in 1834, the bell tower, surrounding wall, and cells were built, and after the secularization of monastery assets and the departure of the Greek monks, the monastery became a parish church.

After 1990, the place became a monastery for monks, and since 1993, a monastery for nuns.

Fâstâci Monastery stands out for its distinctive architectural style. It is distinguished by its proportions and elegant decor, as well as by the combination of Moldavian style with elements of the Byzantine style.

Currently, the complex consists of the gate tower with bell tower, the abbot's house, and the enclosing wall, built in the 19th century. The imposing tower is built of brick, with three floors and a Baroque-style roof.

The architecture of the building contains some special details, such as the fact that the western facade was decorated with the "Eye of God" and two small circular windows. Also, carved on the western side is the coat of arms of Moldova.