Stavropoleos Church: Religion in the Heart of Bucharest

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The tiny Stavropoleos Church is one of the most beautiful religious monuments in the capital of Romania. Tucked away between taller buildings in Bucharest´s Old Town, this splendid 18th-century monument was originally part of Stavropoleos Monastery. It gets its name from its founder, the Greek monk Ioanichie, who later became a Metropolitan of Stavropolie.

Stavropoleos Church

Read also Top 10 Old Churches from Bucharest You Should See

From richness to the ruin of Stavropoleos Monastery

Dating from 1724, the monastery also had an inn on its land. This cohabitation was a current practice of the time, all around the Old Court. Stavropoleos Monastery quickly became one of the richest in Bucharest thanks to the donations of its many well-off worshipers. However, the 19th century marked its ruin, seriously damaged by fires, inefficient administration, and earthquakes.

Old funeral stones in the inner court

The old monastery and inn were demolished at the end of the 19th century, but the church was restored and the monastery rebuilt in the early 20th century. Ion Mincu, one of the best-known Romanian architects of the time, chose the Neo-Romanian architectural style for the new buildings.

The small inner court became an open-air collection of stone crosses and fragments of churches that no longer exist in Bucharest. In fact, between 1904 and 1940 the church only functioned as a museum.

A masterpiece of the Brancovenesc style

Stavropoleos Church is a masterpiece of the late Brancovenesc style from the early 18th century. This original style appeared in Southern Romania, during the reign of Prince Constantin Brancoveanu (1688-1714), a patron of several churches and monasteries in the region. It’s an authentic synthesis of the influences that shaped the cultural life of the region during the time of this prince, celebrated by the Romanian Orthodox Church as a saint.

The style combines local, Oriental, Byzantine, and late Italian Renaissance elements. Among its distinctive elements are the loggias with stone columns carved with floral patterns, carved door and window frames, and the use of interior columns.

View of the monastery space

The church preserves partially the interior and exterior frescoes, and the monastery has a rich collection of rare icons and old religious books. You can visit the museum of the monastery only with a prior appointment.

Probably the most visited church in Bucharest, the lovely Stavropoleos Church is well worth your time. If you only want or have time to see just one church, look no further. Stavropoleos Church is one of the best places to see in Bucharest.

Read also Our Top Reasons to Visit Bucharest As Soon As Possible

Where to stay in Bucharest

Book your accommodation in time to get the best deals. You can find below a hand-picked selection of our favorite places to stay in Bucharest.

If you prefer a central hotel, our recommendations are Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest, Mansion Boutique Hotel, Grand Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Continental. Check also Epoque Hotel, Cismigiu Hotel, and Marmorosch Hotel.

Booking an apartment is also a popular and more budget-friendly option. While there are hundreds of choices, we can help narrow down your list. Our suggestions are Vila Cotroceni Boutique, University Central, Bucharest Residence, Diana’s Flat, and Studio Old Town.

If hostels are your thing, try Podstel Bucharest, or First Hostel Bucharest.