On an unusually cold summer morning I decided to take the train to Deva. In the train station there, I found a bus that took me to 
Hunedoara, where the castle is, but to continue on, to the Prislop Monastery, I had to wait on the street for another bus. The waiting time, I found out, was over an hour, so people were hitchhiking. Being by myself I was lucky to find a ride soon, as the first car that stopped was a small merchandise carrying truck and had just one seat besides the driver. Winding hill roads and about 25 minutes later I got off in Silvasu de Jos and began to walk on the direction of the monastery.
The first 3 km were between the two villages Silvasu de Jos and Silvasu de Sus (jos=down, sus=up). The 
road was going uphill. Not sure where I will spend the coming night I looked for accommodation on my way and I was pleased to notice that there were a few homes that advertised rooms available (pensiune). Past the last village I had another 4 km to go. The road was going higher and a fine rain surrounded me. Umbrella in hand, small back pack on my shoulders and determination to rich the place by foot, I did not signaled any passing car to stop. I did not want a ride at this point. Somehow I decided that since I did not get my breakfast yet this morning, and because I am going to a special place, I will fast on the way there (except for the few small fruits along the road) and make it there by foot.
Prislop Monastery is well known to Romanians. Built during the 14th century, it was since, many times 
reconditioned. In 1762 it was burned down at the order of General Bukow. The Orthodox monks were expelled. Legend tells that the water in it’s creek healed people throughout history. The monastery was closed down by the communist regime in 1959 and with difficulty reopened in 1976.
The Holy Father Arsenie Boca is buried here. He spent 41 years of his life at Prislop Monastery, restructuring it, remodeling it, also painting and sculpting. He is highly regarded and very much loved by Romanians. Many visitors come daily to the church and the burying site. Week-ends and special occasion days can be very busy or even crowded.
A few Images from Prislop Monastery:
