The Metropolitan Cathedral in Timișoara, dedicated to the Three Hierarchs, is the most important religious edifice in Banat. This architectural and religious symbol of the city stands at the opposite end of the Victory Square from the Romanian National Opera.

The church was built between 1936 and 1940 as a means of encouraging the expansion of Orthodoxy in the area after centuries of Catholic religion imposed by the Habsburg rule. However, even though it was inaugurated in 1946 in the presence of King Mihai I, all the interior and exterior paintings and finishing works were ended in 1956 due to the ignition of World War II.

From an architectural point of view, the cathedral combines the Romanian religious tradition with the Byzantine-Moldavian one characteristic to the 14th century, displaying a wealth of colours also found at Cozia Monastery. Due to its impressive dimensions, for the important religious feasts, the cathedral can host up to 5,000 believers. The roof is made from enamelled shingles and it shows 9 steeples and 4 mini-steeples, the main one being 83.7m high.

Inside the church, visitors will see the remains of various saints and the necropolis of Banat’s archbishops. The church’s museum, situated in the basement, houses a rich collection of old religious art from Banat, including a collection of over 800 icons and paintings, 3,000 rare religious books, religious items, artefacts and clothes.

Museum’s Opening Hours:
Monday, Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00
Tuesday – Saturday: 9:00 – 17:00

How to get there:
The Metropolitan Cathedral is situated in the Victory Square, at the opposite end from the Romanian National Opera.

Contact: Victory Square
http://mitropolia-banatului.ro/prezentare-2/