Bistrita Monastery lies 6 km north of the village of Costesti, in the V�lcea county. Consecrated to the Assumption, it is one of the most remarkable monastic sites in Wallachia. It was founded by a wealthy family of boyars named the Craiovesti, who played an important role in the country's political and cultural life between the end of the 15th century and the middle of the 16th century. 
Erected in 1492-1494, the monastery was damaged in 1509; the Craiovesti boyars restored the paintings and reconstructed the cells in 1515-1519. In 1683-1684 major restorations were carried on by Constantin Br�ncoveanu; in 1820, the monastery was repainted, following the orders of governor Grigore Br�ncoveanu.
The church and its auxiliary buildings were damaged by the 1838 earthquake. They were demolished in 1845 and rebuilt in Neogothic style in 1846-1855 during the rules of princes Gheorghe Bibescu and Barbu Stirbei. The 19th century Romanian painter Gheorghe Tattarescu painted the walls of the church in 1855.
Inside the church there are the relics of Saint Gregory the Decapolith, which were brought along by Barbu Craiovescu in 1497.
Close to the monastery there is an Infirmary Church, dating back to the 15th century, when it was built by Barbu Craiovescu (1520-1521). The paintings and the porch were added later on in 1710.
It is worth mentioning that the first printing press and bookbindery in the Romanian speaking provinces were located at Bistrita Monastery. It was there that monk Macarie issued a 'Missal' in 1508.