Șinca Veche Cave Monastery

Transylvania


Mystery and awe hang thick in the air in Șinca Veche. Natural light pours through an opening in the ceiling of a cave-shrine; the faithful arrive to stand within this simple grotto, bathe in its healing light, and pray for fertility or health. A short walk from the grotto is a tranquil monastery. You can visit the outbuildings and church, but dress modestly and respect the quiet.

The cave and monastery are 1km south of Șinca Veche village, itself 30km east and south from Făgăraş town (take the E68). You'll need private transport to visit.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Transylvania attractions

1. Făgăraş Citadel

11.26 MILES

Encircled by a moat fringed with willow trees, Făgăraş Citadel is an impressively intact fortification from medieval Transylvania. The oldest part of this…

2. Valer Literat Museum

11.3 MILES

In the inner courtyard of Făgăraș Citadel, this excellent museum traces the region’s history from 4000-year-old pottery fragments via medieval suits of…

3. Libearty Bear Sanctuary

15.42 MILES

Not enough time to join a bear hide excursion to see these impressive carnivores lumbering through their natural habitat? Libearty Sanctuary is the next…

4. Râşnov Fortress

18.39 MILES

Commonly paired with Bran Castle on day trips from Braşov, Râşnov Fortress might just be the more enchanting of the two. The medieval citadel, built by…

5. Brâncoveanu Monastery

18.58 MILES

Wondrously decorated with carved columns, apocalyptic frescoes and gardens with barely a petal out of place, Brâncoveanu Monastery is as pristine as its…

6. Bran Castle

19.1 MILES

Rising above the town on a rocky promontory, Bran Castle holds visitors in thrall. An entire industry has sprouted around describing it as ‘Dracula’s…

7. Bran Village Museum

19.17 MILES

Just east of Bran Castle, this museum displays original items found in the castle, with open-air displays of traditional architectural styles of the…

8. Fortified Church

21.15 MILES

The whitewashed and tile-roofed fortified church in Viscri is a splendidly restored feat of medieval engineering. Its outbuildings display decorated…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "romania/fagaras-mountains/attractions/sinca-veche-cave-monastery/a/poi-sig/1551700/1326120",
      "destination": "Transylvania",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Romania",
      "region": "Transylvania",
      "position": "superzone"
    }