In the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town is a pretty 18th-century church. Craftsmen work scrupulously to maintain its architectural beauty.
Visit Stavropoleos Church (Biserica Stavropoleos) to discover a wonderful collection of religious art and Byzantine traditions. Although it is nestled within the lively Lipscani neighborhood, the church manages to maintain an air of peace and serenity. It dates back to 1724, when it was built as an inn, church and monastery complex by the Greek monk Ioanikie Stratonikeas. Today, Stavropoleos Church is the last surviving building of this almost 200-year-old complex.
Admire the church’s well-preserved façade, the result of a restoration project started in the late 1800s. Note the elegant arcade flanked by a series of intricately carved pillars. Adorning the walls’ upper areas are paintings of saints and detailed floral-like designs. Look up to see a dome crowned by a simple cross.
Enter through the carved wooden doors to discover an interior covered floor-to-ceiling with 18th-century icons, frescoes and rich ornamentations. Spot artwork depicting significant Biblical events such as the Harrowing of Hell, Resurrection and Second Coming. See portraits of Ioanikie Stratonikeas and Prince Nicolae Mavrocordat, two of the church’s founders.
Behind the church is a sunny, flower-filled courtyard surrounded on three sides by an arcade. Browse the interesting series of gravestones, some dating back to the 1700s. It’s often possible to see artists restoring the stones back to their original condition. Watch nuns coming and going from the church’s library, which shelters a collection of 8,000 books on Byzantine art, history and music.
Time your visit to attend a piano concert or a recital of Byzantine choir music. Other events include the feast day celebrations of venerated Orthodox and Romanian saints. On these days, icons of the saints created by national painters Adriana Rotaru and Ion Grigorescu are displayed.
The church is one of the major highlights of the historic Lipscani neighborhood. Walk here from the National Museum of Romanian History. Also nearby is Strada Lipscani, a street lined with art galleries, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.
Stavropoleos Church is open daily and admission is free, although donations are welcome. Check the church’s official website for details of scheduled events.
