Comana Monastery (Manastirea Comana)

The basics

The monastery-fortress is located close to Comana Natural Park, making it a convenient stop on a day tour from Bucharest. Enjoy a break from the city bustle as you stroll around the quiet grounds or attend a church service for insight into Romania’s religious heritage. Alternatively, some Dracula-themed tours combine the monastery with other legendary landmarks, such as Sighișoara or Bran Castle–take advantage of guided experiences to learn more about the facts behind the fiction.

Things to know before you go

• Comana Monastery is a must-see for anyone interested in Romania’s history and legends.
• The monastery remains an active place of Romanian Orthodox worship, so remember to dress and behave appropriately.
• Be aware that it’s possible to see human remains in the World War One Mausoleum, located in the courtyard.

How to get there

Comana is most easily reached by car, with limited public transport available in the area. The drive south from Bucharest takes around 45 minutes, with many choosing to rent a bicycle on arrival for hassle-free transfer between the park, village, and monastery.

When to get there

Regular Orthodox services take place in the church, so arrive in time if you’d like to catch one. The nearby Comana Natural Park is an impressive sight at any time of year, though enjoys fewer crowds during fall and winter.

A Guessing Game of Graves

The exact location of Vlad the Impaler’s grave is not known, though there are plenty of compelling theories. The picturesque Snagov Monastery, located on a secluded island on Lake Snagov just north of Bucharest, was long considered the most likely burial site, while more recent evidence points to Comana Monastery as Vlad’s final resting place. Either way, both monasteries are worth a visit for spook seekers and culture vultures alike, and their close proximity to Bucharest makes that all the easier.