Galata Hill – Galata Monastery

The Galata Hill (hill no. 1) bears the name of a quarter of Istanbul. Half-way to the top lies the World War I Heroes Mausoleum, surrounded by small hidden crosses carved in stone. Galata Monastery, situated on the upper side of the hill, was built in 1584 under the reign of Petru Șchiopul as a fortress surrounded by massive stone walls. It is the first monastery of Moldavia with two steeples and a median belt dividing the façade in two. It was successively used as a princely residence, as a shelter against the invaders or epidemics and as a prison. Beginning in 1990 it is managed by nuns, famous for their artistry in embroidery and canonical robes. The Monastery offers visitors a rewarding peace and a great panoramic view over the city. (PHOTO : Ozolin DUȘA)