Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral | Bucharest

Physical & Material Composition

The structure represents the Brâncovenesc architectural style, characterized by a four-tower configuration and a centralized floor plan. Construction materials include crushed brick masonry, limestone carvings, and solid oak doors. The interior features frescoes applied in 1923 by Dimitrie Belizarie, replacing original 17th-century iconographic work. A large iconostasis occupies the eastern end, featuring gilded wood and silver-plated icons. The exterior facade contains mosaics depicting Biblical figures, integrated into arched niches.

Geographical Location

The site is situated at Aleea Dealul Mitropoliei 25, occupying the summit of Metropolitanate Hill in Sector 4. It is located 400 meters south of the Piața Unirii transport hub and 900 meters east of the Palace of the Parliament. The cathedral coordinates are 44°25′28″N 26°05′52″E. It sits on an elevated plateau overlooking the Dâmbovița River valley.

Access Logistics

Entry is gained via Aleea Dealul Mitropoliei, a cobblestone road with a 10-degree incline. The closest transit point is Piața Unirii 1 Metro Station, which services Lines M1, M2, and M3. Bus 104 stops at Biserica Sf. Nicolae, requiring a 250-meter walk to the main gates. Pedestrian access from the Old Town (Lipscani) involves a 15-minute transit southward. Vehicle parking is restricted to designated areas along the lower perimeter of the hill.

Historical Markers

Wallachian prince Constantin Șerban Basarab initiated construction in 1654, with completion occurring in 1658. The church was consecrated by Patriarch Macarios of Antioch and Metropolitan Teodosie. In 1862, Romanian Prime Minister Barbu Catargiu was assassinated in an open carriage directly in front of the cathedral gates. The building was designated as the Patriarchal Cathedral in 1925 following the elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Church to a patriarchate.

Insider Observation

On the north side of the exterior portico, a 2cm-wide fracture is visible in the third limestone column from the left. The silver reliquary inside the nave contains a serial number stamped on the base of its left support leg. A specific growth of Tortula muralis (wall moss) consistently occupies the mortar joints on the lower eastern foundation wall. The bronze bell in the separate bell tower weighs exactly 25 tons and bears the foundry mark of Grassmayr.

Surrounding Environmental Context

The cathedral is part of a complex that includes the Patriarchal Palace and the Palace of the Chamber of Deputies. Immediate vegetation consists of Tilia cordata (Linden trees) and Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) hedges. The southern boundary is defined by the Parcul Unirii, while the western edge faces Strada 11 Iunie. The Radu Vodă Monastery is located 800 meters to the southeast.