Colțea Church

Mentioned in a 1658 document, it was willed to his brother, the High Clucer Colțea Doicescu, who placed it under the authority of the Metropolis of Ungro-Wallachia.

With the approval of Colțea‘s descendants and the Metropolitan, Cantacuzino purchased the land and built the present stone church between 1695 and 1698.

Turnul Colței, raised around the same time, was located in a nearly straight line from the church, about 20 meters west; entry to the courtyard was beneath its portal.

In 1770, logothete Necula Mănescu added a second portico, according to that year’s pisanie; it was placed in front of the large extant one.

Repairs carried out in 1895 involved removing the exterior plaster, beneath which were discovered red and black frescoes covering the church, attributed to Pârvu Mutu.

Nave and narthex are divided by three central arches resting on columns that have twisted fluting, Corinthian capitals, carved bases and high pedestals.

Cosmas and Damian (the latter attributed to Pârvu Mutu) and St. Paraskeva (18th century, painted on wood and silvered, Russian school).

Traces of the 18th-century frescoes believed to be by Pârvu Mutu survive in the portico, but were altered by a flawed restoration.

The upper window frames are of three-lobed stone, carved with floral motifs; the lower ones each have an angel head with extended wings.

It served as a place of refuge during the Romanian Revolution; the parish priest rang its bells on the night of 21-22 December, both in joy and as a warning of danger.