The Stavrolopeos Monastery (Mănăstirea Stavropoleos) is an Eastern Orthodox monastery and church in the historic old town of Bucharest. The church is dedicated to the Saints Michael and Gabriel, and Saint Justin the Martyr.
The church was built in 1724 by Ioannikios Stratonikeas, a Greek monk from Epirus. The church and monastery were built on the site of his inn, which earned him enough income to finance the construction. In 1726 Iannikios was elected as the metropolitan of Stavropolis and decided to name the church after the ancient city. When he died in 1742 at the age of 62, he was buried inside the church.
At the end of the 19th century, the inn as well as several of the monastery buildings were demolished. Throughout the 20th century, several earthquakes caused severe damage to the church, including the collapse of the dome. Restoration works took place at the beginning of the 20th century and today the complex remains in a well preserved state.
Stavropoleos Monastery is a remarkable complex due to its details and craftmanship. The byzantine church clearly has some Baroque and oriental touches like the sculptures and plant motifs. The garden has a square space with a beautiful arched gallery and several old stones and tombs. The library has a collection of over 8000 historic books, 80 manuscripts, and 400 other printed works.
