The Cave of Daniel the Hermit (Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul): A Sanctuary Carved in Stone +video and views
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2026 6:28 pm
In the heart of Bukovina, just a few hundred meters from the famous Putna Monastery, lies one of Romania's most humble yet powerful historical sites: Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul (The Cave of Daniel the Hermit).
This small sanctuary, entirely hollowed out of a massive rock, was the home and place of prayer for one of Romania’s most beloved saints.
A Masterpiece of Faith and Patience
Legend says that Daniel the Hermit (Daniil Sihastrul) lived in the 15th century and carved this cell himself using only a chisel. It is a testament to his ascetic life and immense patience.
The Legend of the Hermit and the Prince
The most famous legend surrounding this stone cell tells the story of a fateful meeting between Daniel the Hermit and Prince Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare).
According to tradition, in the year 1466, after a difficult battle, Prince Stephen was wandering through the forests of Bukovina, seeking spiritual guidance. He reached the door of Daniel’s cell in the middle of the night. The hermit, who was deep in prayer, told the Prince to wait outside until he finished his conversation with God.
Once the prayer was over, Daniel invited the Prince inside. Stephen confessed his fears about the future of the country and his struggles against the Ottoman Empire. The hermit, looking into the future, gave him a powerful prophecy:
"Do not fear, for you shall prevail. But in every place where you win a battle, you must raise a church to thank God."
Following this advice, Stephen the Great went on to build a monastery or a church for every victory he achieved, resulting in the unique landscape of painted monasteries that Bukovina is famous for today. The legend says that it was Daniel himself who pointed towards the valley where Putna Monastery, the "Jerusalem of the Romanian People," was to be built.
Why You Should Visit
Frequently Asked Questions: The Cave of Daniel the Hermit
1. Where is the cave located?
The cave (cell) is located in the village of Putna, in the Suceava County of Bukovina, Romania. It is situated just about 1 km away from the famous Putna Monastery.
2. Is there an entrance fee?
No, visiting the cave is free of charge. It is an open historical and religious site, accessible to anyone who wishes to pay their respects or admire the craftsmanship.
3. How was the cave created?
The cell was entirely hand-carved into a massive sandstone rock by the monk Daniel himself. He used only a chisel and a hammer to create the chapel and his living quarters, a process that took many years of hard work.
4. Who was Daniel the Hermit (Daniil Sihastrul)?
He was a 15th-century Orthodox monk, renowned for his ascetic life and spiritual wisdom. He is most famous for being the spiritual mentor of Prince Stephen the Great and for encouraging the construction of Putna Monastery. He was officially canonized as a saint in 1992.
5. Can I go inside the cave?
Yes, visitors can enter the small interior. It consists of a tiny chapel (paraclis) and a room where the hermit lived. Please note that the space is very small and narrow, reflecting the humble lifestyle of the saint.
6. Is it a difficult hike to get there?
Not at all. The path from the main road to the cave is short and mostly flat, taking about 5 to 10 minutes to walk. It is a peaceful walk through a wooded area, suitable for visitors of all ages.
7. What is the best time to visit?
The site is beautiful year-round. However, visiting in the early morning or during autumn offers a particularly mystical atmosphere when the forest colors surround the ancient stone cell.
This small sanctuary, entirely hollowed out of a massive rock, was the home and place of prayer for one of Romania’s most beloved saints.
A Masterpiece of Faith and Patience
Legend says that Daniel the Hermit (Daniil Sihastrul) lived in the 15th century and carved this cell himself using only a chisel. It is a testament to his ascetic life and immense patience.
- The Structure: The cave is divided into three distinct sections: a tiny chapel (paraclis) for prayer, a small room for resting, and a narrow entrance.
- The Chapel: Inside the chapel, you can still see the altar and the places where icons were once placed, all carved directly into the grey sandstone.
- The Saint’s Influence: Daniel was more than a hermit; he was the spiritual advisor to Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare), Romania's most legendary ruler. It is said that at Daniel’s encouragement, Stephen built the Putna Monastery (see more).
A serene winter view of the Cave of Daniel the Hermit (Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul) in Putna, Romania.
The most famous legend surrounding this stone cell tells the story of a fateful meeting between Daniel the Hermit and Prince Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare).
According to tradition, in the year 1466, after a difficult battle, Prince Stephen was wandering through the forests of Bukovina, seeking spiritual guidance. He reached the door of Daniel’s cell in the middle of the night. The hermit, who was deep in prayer, told the Prince to wait outside until he finished his conversation with God.
Once the prayer was over, Daniel invited the Prince inside. Stephen confessed his fears about the future of the country and his struggles against the Ottoman Empire. The hermit, looking into the future, gave him a powerful prophecy:
"Do not fear, for you shall prevail. But in every place where you win a battle, you must raise a church to thank God."
Following this advice, Stephen the Great went on to build a monastery or a church for every victory he achieved, resulting in the unique landscape of painted monasteries that Bukovina is famous for today. The legend says that it was Daniel himself who pointed towards the valley where Putna Monastery, the "Jerusalem of the Romanian People," was to be built.
Why You Should Visit
- Spiritual Atmosphere: Even today, the site remains a place of pilgrimage. Visitors often leave small coins or notes with prayers in the cracks of the rock.
- Proximity to Putna: You can easily walk to the cave after visiting Putna Monastery, following a peaceful path through the forest.
- Historical Significance: It is one of the few remaining "living" links to the 15th-century monastic life in the Carpathians.
- Location: Near Putna village, Suceava County.
- Access: The cave is free to visit and easily accessible by foot.
- Etiquette: As this is a sacred site, visitors are asked to maintain silence and show respect.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Cave of Daniel the Hermit
1. Where is the cave located?
The cave (cell) is located in the village of Putna, in the Suceava County of Bukovina, Romania. It is situated just about 1 km away from the famous Putna Monastery.
2. Is there an entrance fee?
No, visiting the cave is free of charge. It is an open historical and religious site, accessible to anyone who wishes to pay their respects or admire the craftsmanship.
3. How was the cave created?
The cell was entirely hand-carved into a massive sandstone rock by the monk Daniel himself. He used only a chisel and a hammer to create the chapel and his living quarters, a process that took many years of hard work.
4. Who was Daniel the Hermit (Daniil Sihastrul)?
He was a 15th-century Orthodox monk, renowned for his ascetic life and spiritual wisdom. He is most famous for being the spiritual mentor of Prince Stephen the Great and for encouraging the construction of Putna Monastery. He was officially canonized as a saint in 1992.
5. Can I go inside the cave?
Yes, visitors can enter the small interior. It consists of a tiny chapel (paraclis) and a room where the hermit lived. Please note that the space is very small and narrow, reflecting the humble lifestyle of the saint.
6. Is it a difficult hike to get there?
Not at all. The path from the main road to the cave is short and mostly flat, taking about 5 to 10 minutes to walk. It is a peaceful walk through a wooded area, suitable for visitors of all ages.
7. What is the best time to visit?
The site is beautiful year-round. However, visiting in the early morning or during autumn offers a particularly mystical atmosphere when the forest colors surround the ancient stone cell.