Europe

[Visited: June 2003]

Although for a long time churches have not been welcome in the Romania of Ceaușescu, and most of them have been neglected, there are still many churches to be found in the Romanian capital. Some of them still need a major overhaul, but at least their existence is now guaranteed. Before the 1989 revolution, this was not the case: many churches were destroyed in urban development projects, and some where even moved completely to another location, in order to make place for other buildings considered more important.
An example of such a church is the Biserica Antim, which was built in the early 18th century. This church is near the People's House, and was in the way of urban renewal projects. It was given a new foundation, put on rails and simply moved to its present location. This was done with churches all around the country. Probably the most interesting church is the Biserica Stavropoleos, founded by a Greek monk in the early 18th century. Hidden on a corner near the Museum of History, this church has outside frescoes, and a courtyard behind it, giving it a very quiet and pleasant aspect. The inside of the church is, unfortunately, black.
Another church of interest is the Biserica Curtea Veche (or Sf. Anton), which was the church of the former Royal Court. The first church on this spot was built around 1400. In the 19th century, another nearby church dedicated to St. Anton, was destroyed by fire and not rebuilt, so it was decided to dedicate this church to that saint. Previously, this was where the inhabitants of the Court went for religious duties, now it is still a much-frequented church. The entrance has some fine decorations, and on the left hand side, there is the opportunity to light a candle.

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Bucharest churches > Romania > Europe

[Visited: June 2003]

Around the World in 80 Clicks