Unique in southeastern Europe, this post-Byzantine synthesis found its most authentic expression in Hurezi Monastery. Situated in the Vâlcea county, in the sub-Carpathian region of Oltenia, Hurezi has represented beginning with the 14th century when an intense monastic life went on due to other two monasteries - Cozia and Arnota whose churches sheltered princely tombs - a complex monastic pile comparable to the great Athos Mountain monasteries.

The 'Big Church', namely the main monastery church, meant to become the tomb of Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu and his family, should have received his body one day. But he was beheaded, together with his four sons, on the 15th August 1714 at the Turkish Sultan's court, as a 'traitor'. That was how the sultan chose to label the man who had tried to lure the Vienna and Moscow diplomacies and win them into forming an anti-Ottoman coalition. Having died as a martyr, in tragic circumstances, he could not be buried in the Hurezi monastery as he had wished it, so his empty sarcophagus can still be found in the narthex.

Hurezi Monastery was witness of many events, suffering also much deterioration. During the Russian-Austrian-Turkish war from 1787 the lead roof of the big tower, the icons and windows, the furniture from the boyars houses and cells were destroyed. During the revolutionary movement from 1821 of Tudor Vladimirescu, Hurez was used as fortified center with provisions. The many repairs and modifications from 18th and 19th centuries have altered the originality of the façades and of the interior architecture.

At the end of the 17th century, at Hurez Monastery was a real painting and sculpture school which influence was experienced till late in al Wallachia. The leader of the painters’ team was Constantinos who, together with the Romanian artisans, have made the paintings from Hurez. In the painting ensemble are evident the features specific to the Brâncovenesc epoch painting: realistic manner in the portraits, expressing even human feelings - as the founder portrait - using of some elements from real life.

During the resting hours in the cells of this monastery were translated by learned monks "Flower of Gifts", which will appear in 1700 at Snagov, and "1001 Nights". Great culture lover, Brâncoveanu had put together a big library even since he was only a boyar.