Visit the pride of Timisoara, the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral, a dazzling multi-style church. During your visit, photograph its commanding façades, study its ethereal interior and browse religious art preserved for centuries.
Towering over Piata Victoriei (Victory Square), the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral is an impressive basilica. Although built in 1946, the building’s architecture borrows heavily from typical Renaissance cathedrals, with elements of Ottoman and Byzantine buildings.
Admire its exterior with horizontal brickwork framing its niches, eaves and archways in an aesthetically pleasing way. With three front towers and a larger spire behind, the cathedral looks almost like a fairy-tale palace. Note the mosaic tiled roofs, which add splashes of green, red and gold to the sky. The building has a total of 11 towers, with the largest reaching over 262 feet (80 meters) in height.
As you approach, pass a monument commemorating the 1989 revolution that overthrew communist control in Romania. Bullet strikes from riots in the square still mark the steps into the cathedral portico.
Enter the enormous nave, where high arched ceilings are adorned with gold and azure detailing. Climb to the upper floor for views onto the main hall’s floor, which features extraordinary geometric patterns. Leave a candle on the prayer blocks on either side of the entrance.
Head downstairs to the cathedral basement to see a collection of religious art and artifacts. Browse vintage Romanian icon paintings, depictions of Orthodox saints and ancient manuscripts.
Return to the cathedral at night when its enchanting exterior is illuminated with spotlights. Enjoy a romantic dinner at one of many restaurants around Victory Square within sight of the golden-lit façade. Afterward see a performance at the Timisoara Opera House, also on Victory Square.
Get to the Romanian Orthodox Cathedral in central Timisoara on foot from most city attractions. The cathedral is open daily, though visiting hours are restricted during weekend services. The church does not have an admission fee.
