Global Treasures: Monastery of Horezu

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1047

UPC: 879061006463

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

In the midst of the wooded hills of Oltenia's Carpathian countryside is the Horezu Monastery, which was donated by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu. The building was constructed in 1690 to defend the western region of the country, and the settlement comprises five churches, a sanctuary for the infirm and various monks' cells.

Sculptures of stone and floral motifs decorate the external walls of the monastery's main church. Its wall paintings were created by 12 artists under the direction of Masters Constantinos and loaned between 1692 and 1702. They represent the beginning of the Brâncoveanu style.

The library, the Princes' House that today contains the monastery's art collection, the Refectorium with its old paintings, and finally the Treasury that contains icons and precious silver objects that date back to the Brâncoveanu period are each extremely valuable.

The Brâncoveanu style first gained recognition as early as the 18th century. It soon spread throughout Wallachia and Transylvania. Thanks to the refined art of this time, the Horezu Monastery has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.