It is the church tied to the history of the War of Independence and the largest church in the old centre.
About the place
Between 1730 and 1740 a church half sunk into the ground stood here, built for sailors who prayed to St Nicholas, their patron. It was raised above ground between 1853 and 1856 and enlarged in 1861. During the war of 1877, Prince Carol I came here several times, hence the name 'Cathedral of Independence'; his portrait is painted in the narthex, above the entrance.
At the beginning of the 20th century the old church was pulled down and rebuilt in brick, through the efforts of Ilariu Marian, mayor from 1899 to 1901. Today's building was finished in 1906 and consecrated on 25 April 1910; the Marincu family was among the founders. The exterior and the bell tower were renovated between 2002 and 2005, and the paintings and the iconostasis were restored in 2011. The church is a listed historic monument.
Good to know
- Go in between services and look for the portrait of Carol I above the entrance, in the narthex.
- The church stands next to the People's Park, good for a break in the shade.
- The Greek Church and the riverfront are about a 10-minute walk to the east.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.