Ciuflea Monastery, Chisinau, Moldova, July 2019
This blue beauty, in central Chisinau, is a Moldovan Orthodox monastery dedicated to Saint Theodore of Amasea and consecrated in 1858.
During the country’s time as the Moldavian SSR, this building stepped in as cathedral when the Nativity Cathedral was closed and converted to an exhibition hall. It became the monastery it is now in 2002.
The image above shows the traditional church, in colourful contrast with the former Intourist hotel, the Național, which hovers over its shoulder. The Soviet era hotel is now deserted and in poor condition – clearly lacking the care that the monastery now receives. There is at least one organisation trying to ensure the renovation of the Soviet building but at the moment its main fans seem to be the homeless.
Copyright Debbie Smyth, 5 November 2019
Posted as part of Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge
Travel with Intent 
very charming church! 🙂
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Oh Debbie, this is an amazing church!
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Is there anywhere you haven’t been????
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Loads! Canada, Australia, India, South America, many many more 🙂
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What a beautiful church, and it especially glows in contrast to the Soviet dereliction in the background. 🙂
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Lovely photos! Orthodox churches are so colourful.
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Yes they always enjoy their pastel colours.
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Wow, have never seen such architecture.. it’s so pretty!
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What a contrast….
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Oh what a beautiful blue on the Ciuflea Monastery. Beautiful photos of it too! 😀
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