Serbian Episcopal Palace (left) in Timisoara, Romania
Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Summary
The Serbian Episcopal Palace is a mid-18th century mixed Byzantine, and Baroque, architectural style Episcopal Orthodox Palace located in the historic Union Square (Piața Unirii) of Timisoara, Romania. The palace contains a rich, meaningful, and very fascinating history. Throughout its years the building has served as a pivotal center for the Orthodox faith in Timisoara. The palace’s functioning purposes has altered multiple times during its life period.
Facade of the Serbian Episcopal Palace in Timisoara
Today the, newly renovated (2014), Serbian Episcopal Palace, also known as the Serbian Vicarage (Vicariatul Sarbesc) serves as a historical monument and fundamental cornerstone to the Serbian Orthodox community of Timisoara. The palace is a highly visited tourist destination that captivates observers who come from all corners of the globe to gaze upon its beautiful architecture and to visit the treasures and wonders contained within the palace’s first level museum.
Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Table of Contents
- Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – History
- Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Architecture
- Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Museum
- Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Video
- Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Visitor Info
Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – History
The Episcopal Palace was built during the years 1745-1748 under the leadership of the Serbian Bishop Gheorghe Popovici. It was originally built to serve as the episcopal residence and seat of a Rascian school. The word Rascian was given by the Habsburgs to the Serbian minority living in Timisoara and other parts of the Habsburg Empire. The Rascian school carried out various religious seminars and courses teaching the Orthodox faith.
Historic Image of the Serbian Episcopal Palace in Piata Unirii
The palace went on to serve as the headquarters of the Orthodox Serbian Bishop and as a center of Orthodox faith and culture in Timisoara. Following the split of the Orthodox Serbian and Romanian communities of Timisoara around the year 1825, the episcopal palace remained under the administration and ownership of the Serbian Orthodox Episcopate. The episcopal palace became the primary cultural center for the Serbian Orthodox faction and became known as the Serbian Episcopal Palace.
Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Architecture
The Serbian Episcopal Palace was constructed in the years 1745-1748. Its development coincided with the creation of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral (1744-1747) which is located right next to the episcopal palace, and the Serbian St. George Church. The palace was originally created as a single-story Byzantine architectural style building. In 1906, the Orthodox administration hired the famous architect Székely László to enlarge and design upgrades and modifications to the building.
Entrance of the Serbian Episcopal Palace in Timisoara
László added a second story to the palace, enlarged it to cover two streets, and redesigned its façade to incorporate baroque and neo-Serbian style elements. László also modified the building to have certain features and areas resemble that of architectural styles common of religious centers in Russian. The new changes made the Serbian Episcopal Palace fit in with the other baroque dominant buildings in Union Square.
Side View of the Serbian Episcopal Palace in Timisoara
Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Museum
Inside the first floor of the Serbian Episcopal Palace, there is a museum that houses the collection of the Serbian Orthodox Episcopate (founded in 1967). The collection contains some of the most beautiful, historic, and fascinating religious artifacts in all of Romania. The many different treasures inside the museum date from the 17th to the 19th century. The museum is arranged in six different sections that showcase items in chronological order.
Items Found Inside the Serbian Episcopal Palace Museum
Some of the wide-ranging items inside the museum include things such as; highly decorated and beautifully painted wooden icons and canvases, engravings from Serbian Orthodox churches and monasteries, ancient books and manuscripts that contain significant religious writings. Other interesting items found inside the museum are; antique silverware, striking portraits of past Orthodox bishops, and the palace’s original blueprints.
Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Video
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Serbian Episcopal Palace Timisoara – Visitor Information
Vicariatul Sarbesc din Piata Unirii, Timişoara
Location
The Serbian Episcopal Palace is found in the historic Union Square in Timisoara at the address: Piața Unirii 4. It is located right next to the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.
Visitation
The Serbian Vicarage in Union Square Timisoara is open for visitation every day of the year. Tourists are allowed to walk around, film, and photograph the exterior of the building.
Vicarage Museum Hours
| Mon-Thur | 8:30am to 7:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am to 1:00pm |
| Sat-Sun | Closed |
