Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Timisoara, Romania
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – Summary
The Serbian Episcopal Orthodox Cathedral (Catedrala Ortodoxă Sârbă) is a mid-18th-century Baroque architectural style Orthodox church located in the historic Union Square (Piața Unirii) of Timisoara, Romania. The magnificent cathedral signifies the great importance the religious Orthodox faith played to the ethnic Serbian population that has thrived in Timisoara for many decades. From its founding to the present day the church has been a pivotal worship center for the Orthodox faithful in Banat.
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Union Square, Timisoara
Today the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, which was designated a Romanian historic monument in 1964, serves as a primary worship center to many of the estimated 7,000 Serbs that live in Timisoara. The cathedral is located in the west portion of Union Square, one of the busiest and most visited tourist destinations of the city. Because of its location, and because of its amazing history and beautiful architecture, the church also receives an influx of yearly tourism and is cemented as one of the top must-see sites in the city.
Entrance of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Timisoara
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – Table of Contents
- Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – History
- Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – Architecture
- Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – Video
- Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – Visitor Info
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – History
The Cathedral, which is dedicated to the Ascension of Jesus, was built in 1748 to be a replacement for an Orthodox church that had been destroyed by a fire in 1728. The Orthodox Cathedral was raised under the leadership of the Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Timisoara, Gheorghie Popovici. During this same time period, two other Serbian Orthodox religious buildings were being constructed in the city, the Serbian Orthodox Vicarage, and the Saint George Church.
Historic Image of Union Square in Timisoara and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
The Orthodox Cathedral did not always belong solely to the Serbian Patriarchy, the church was initially shared by the Romanian and Serbian communities of the city. Around the year 1825, the two ethnic Orthodox factions split due to disagreements between their leaders. After the communities went their separate ways, ownership of the cathedral was transferred to the Serbian Orthodox leadership. After the change in ownership, the church became known as the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of Timisoara.
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – Architecture
The Serbian Orthodox Cathedral was built during the years of 1744-1748 out of brick and stone. The funding, materials, and labor for the church all came from devote members of the Orthodox faith from Timisoara and neighboring villages. The cathedral was initially built in the Baroque style but has classical elements which were added throughout the renovations it underwent over the years. The church has two daunting towers that were added in 1791. The towers five total large bells that ring out every hour.
Twin Towers of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
The church’s interior is magnificently painted and provides an awe-inspiring site that’s truly breathtaking to behold. The iconostasis inside the cathedral was originally painted by Ştefan Teneţchi but mostly replaced by the carvings of Mihajlo Ianici and the paintings of Constantin Daniel, in the mid-1800s. The vivid and highly detailed paintings throughout the church depict and highlight significant people and events of the Orthodox faith. The church interior also contains dauntingly beautiful crystal chandeliers, gold embroidered trims, and large sculpted columns.
Interior of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Timisoara
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – Video
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Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Timisoara – Visitor Info
Catedrala Ortodoxă Sârbă, Piata Unirii, Timişoara
Location
The Serbian Cathedral is located at the address: Strada Emanoil Ungureanu 12. The back side of the church is located in Union Square but the entrance is found off of Ungureanu Street.
Visitation
The cathedral is open for visitation daily and year-round, outside of church service hours. Tourists are allowed to photograph the exterior and visit the building’s interior.