When you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Bucharest’s old centre, you reach a small but incredibly beautiful church dating from the time of Constantin Brâncoveanu and perfectly representing the architectural style and decorations imposed by the Wallachian ruler. This is the Stavropoleos Church, a religious, cultural, artistic and architectural jewel of Romania’s capital.
The Stavropoleos Monastery was built in 1724 and included a church and an inn that financially supported the monastic activity. Except for the church, the monastery’s buildings were demolished at the end of the 19th century. In 1897, the church’s annexes were rebuilt in Neo-Romanian style after the plans of the Romanian architect Ion Mincu. They now include a library, a refectory and an impressive collection of religious items, such as icons and paintings, candlesticks and candelabra, books and manuscripts, furniture and frescoes recovered from churches demolished during the communist regime.
From an architectural point of view, the church is one of the most representative edifices of the brancovenesc style, reminiscent of Brancoveanu’s Mogosoaia Palace, while the proportions take it closer to Horezu Monastery. Its Baroque stone carvings, the vegetal ornamental motifs decorating the façade, borrowed from the Oriental design, the frescoes and the portico’s column give the church a spectacular aspect. The interior and exterior paintings date from 1730 and 1784 and depict scenes from the Romanian iconography of the 18th century. The only exception is the cupola, which was painted at the end of the 19th century.
How to get there:
Stavropoleos Church is situated within 6 minutes walking distance from the University Square. From the University Square, take Ion C. Bratianu Blvd and turn right on Ion Ghica St. After 250m, cross Doamnei St and continue on Smardan St for 150m more. Then turn right on Stavropoleos St and the church will be on your left.
Contact:
Stavropoleos St, no 4
Tel: +40 213 134 747
http://www.stavropoleos.ro/index.php?id=1
