Doamna Elena (1598–1653)^[1] was a princess consort of Wallachia by marriage to Prince Matei Basarab.^[2] The sister of scholar Udriște Năsturel, she was known for her cultural patronage and introduced the first printing press in Wallachia. She was born to the Seneschal Radu Năsturel from Herăști and Calea Calomfirescu, who herself, was descended from Michael the Brave.^[3]

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Quick Facts Princess Consort of Wallachia, Reign ...

Elena Năsturel
Matei Basarab and his wife (right) depicted in the book printed during his rule
Princess Consort of Wallachia
Reign	1632-1653
Predecessor	Stanca Brâncovean
Born	1598
Died	1653
Burial	The Royal Church of Târgovişte
Spouse	Matei Basarab
Issue	Matei
Father	Radu Năsturel
Mother	Despina Calea Calomfirescu

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She and her husband only had one son Matei, who died young. In his memory, she adopted her nephew, the son of Udriște, whose wife died shortly after giving birth to their son, who was named Mateiaş and raised him as her own. He was considered heir to the throne, but he died at the age of 17.^[4] When she died of a heart attack in 1653, she was buried next to Mateiaş in the Royal Church of Târgovişte. The following year when her husband died, he too was buried next to her. Per her husbands request, her tombstone was inscribed with the phrase "they lived together twice 20 years each"^[5].