National Cathedral of Romania | Bucharest

Physical & Material Composition

The edifice reaches a maximum height of 135 meters to the top of the main cross. It is constructed from B450 reinforced concrete, hollow clay bricks, and Transylvanian marble. The interior contains the world's largest iconostasis, measuring 23.8 meters in length and 17.1 meters in height. Surface decoration consists of 25,000 square meters of mosaic composed of 350 million Murano glass pieces and semi-precious stones.

Geographical Location

The structure occupies Spirea’s Hill (Arsenal Hill) at Calea 13 Septembrie 4-60. It is positioned 500 meters west of the Izvor Park and directly faces the Palace of the Parliament. The site elevation is the highest point in central Bucharest. Geodetic coordinates are recorded as 44°25′33″N 26°04′56″E.

Access Logistics

Primary vehicle access is via Calea 13 Septembrie and Bulevardul Libertății. Bus Line 385 provides direct transport from Piața Unirii to the Dr. Staicovici stop, located 200 meters from the cathedral perimeter. The complex includes an 11,600-square-meter piazza for pedestrian movement. Emergency exits include 28 bronze doors equipped with automated computer-controlled opening mechanisms.

Historical Markers

The cornerstone was laid in 2010, following a law passed by the Romanian Parliament in 1882 to build a national cathedral. Consecration of the altar occurred on November 25, 2018, presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Final structural completion was documented in October 2025. The project was spearheaded by Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

Insider Observation

The Christ Pantocrator icon in the main dome utilized 2.4 tons of glass tesserae for its completion. Each square meter of the interior mosaic contains approximately 10,000 individual pieces applied with cement-based adhesive. The Grassmayr bell in the tower consists of an alloy of 78% electrolytic copper and 22% electrolytic tin. A 6.8-meter elevation exists between the ground level and the main floor of the nave.

Surrounding Environmental Context

The cathedral borders the Ministry of National Defense to the south and the Palace of the Parliament to the east. The Dâmbovița River runs 600 meters to the north. Local flora includes Acer platanoides (Norway maple) and Pinus sylvestris (Scots pine) planted along the perimeter fence. The Marriott Grand Hotel is situated at the intersection of Calea 13 Septembrie and Strada Izvor.