Photographer’s Note
The UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Curtea de Argeş (early 16th century) is one of the most famous buildings in Romania, and stands in the grounds of a monastery, in Curtea de Argeş city.
It resembles a very large and elaborate mausoleum, built in Byzantine style, with Moorish arabesques.
The cathedral is said to combine the elements of western and eastern art.
An interesting legend about the cathedral has Radu Negru employing one Meşterul Manole or Manoli as architect. Manole being unable to finish the walls, the prince threatened him and his assistants with death. At last Manole suggested that they should follow the ancient custom of placing a living woman into the foundations; and that she who first appeared on the following morning should be the victim. The other masons warned their families, and Manole was forced to sacrifice his own wife. Thus the cathedral was built. When Manole and his masons told the prince that they could always build an even greater building, Radu Negru had them stranded on the roof so that they could not build something to match it. They fashioned wooden wings and tried to fly off the roof, but, one by one, they all fell to the ground. A spring of clear water, named after Manole, is said to mark the spot where he fell.
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Photo Information
- Copyright: Dariusz Whatever (coffee) (119)
- Genre: Places
- Medium: Color
- Date Taken: 2009-08-00
- Categories: Architecture
- Photo Version: Original Version
- Date Submitted: 2009-10-21 13:52








