Bistrița Monastery stands in a forested valley north of Râmnicu Vâlcea, founded in the 15th century by the Craiovești boyar family and rebuilt several times since. The current church is largely 18th century, though it incorporates medieval elements, and the setting — surrounded by beech forest with a stream running below — is among the most peaceful in the county.
The monastery houses a small museum with medieval ecclesiastical objects, carved wooden icons, and manuscripts. It is considerably less visited than Horezu and Cozia, which makes it worth seeking out for the calm. The valley road that approaches the monastery passes through attractive countryside and several small villages.