Monasteries of Moldova 

• Capriana
• Butuceni
• Tiganesti
• Cosauti
• Harbovat
• Harjauca
• Dobrusa
• Curchi

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Situated near the locality with the same name, Tipova Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in the Republic of Moldova. The monastery is spaded in stone on the bunch of Nistru River.

The monastic complex portrays an image of an impressive museum. Between Blanaritei and Valea – Satului streams demolishment of an old town are cherished. The demolishment represent an old town of Gets tribes inhabitants existing BC. Tipova River is flowing down the Nistru River, it forms various waterfalls attaining 10 – 16 meters length.

The monastery comprises three monastic complexes. First complex comprises temple with Holy Cross festival and some cells; it is situated at a great distance and it is hardly accessible. The foundation of the complex dates from XI – XV centuries. The second monastic complex includes St Nicholas temple, it was spaded in rock stone in XIV – XV centuries. The third complex dates from XVI – XVIII centuries and encompasses 18 separate rooms joined via interior passage.

According to an old legend, the Greek mythological poet Orpheus died at Tipova Monastery. He was buried on the cascade valley and it is not difficult to recognize his grave, as there are six apertures slabs on it.

Archbishop Visarion Puiu mentioned in a document edited in 1919 the following:” There are no precise data about the concrete year of the monastery foundation and it remains unknown who built the hermitage initially. It is supposed that the hermitage along with spaded in the rock caves served as a refuge for Christians frightened by Tatars in XIII century. After the settlement of the conflict, friars built the monastic husbandry which remained unchanged until now. And mainly, it happened after 1756, when Radu Racovita offered the hermitage land to Dobrovat Monastery, Vaslui County.

In 1776 the hermitage and its cells were renewed by monk Vortolomeu who was the founder of Saharna Monastery

In 1842 the hermitage was destroyed. Since then, the monastery land was given to Capriana Monastery and the hermitage itself to Saharna Monastery.

In a work edited in 1898 the XIX century, historian Zamfir Arbore related that at those times Tipova hermitage comprised a big library including Romanian books dating from XVII – XVIII centuries. The monastic community comprised 16 monks, all of Romanian origin. The monastery estate comprised 420 dozens of land; 20 dozens of land was cultivated, other 400 comprehending forests and stone.

From 1842 till 1919, Tipova hermitage was managed by Saharna monastery husbandry. In 1912 the temple situated on the hill was restored by hieromonk Inokentie. In 1919, under the leadership of Archimandrite Mitrophor Sofronie Neaga who came from Saharna Monastery, the Tipova hermitage obtained independence.

In 1949 the monastic complex was closed and dispossessed of land. Friars took refuge at other monasteries. The monastic complex situated on the hill was taken over by the agricultural local husbandry. The temple became a tobacco deposit, the hermitage being cleared out and demolished.

In 1990, a group of archeologists from Saint – Petersburg found a skeleton in the monastery basement, dating from the end of the XV century. According to historians, Stefan cel Mare si Sfint frequently was visiting these lands during his battles against Tatars. An old legend tells that the great lord (Stefan cel Mare) married to one of his wives in the Tipova monastery, who after her death was buried at this holy place.

In 1994, Tipova Monastery was reestablished.

Only the exterior side of the Holy Virgin Assumption temple was restored. The temple is of medium size having a rectangular plan. Above the entrance room, belfry is located. Fresco can be observed on the walls highlighting floral decorations.