The Patriarchate complex is a category A listed monument, and the cathedral holds 4.8 on Google from more than 3,600 reviews.
About the place
The cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena, was founded by Prince Constantin Șerban and his wife Bălașa between 1654 and 1658. It became the metropolitan cathedral in 1668, when the see of the Metropolis of Wallachia moved from Târgoviște to Bucharest, and has been the patriarchal cathedral since 1925. It has been restored several times and no longer has its original form; inside is the silver reliquary of Saint Demetrius the New, brought here in 1774.
The hill also holds the 18th-century bell tower, the Patriarchal Residence and the Palace of the Patriarchate, built in the early 20th century for the Chamber of Deputies, all part of the complex listed as a category A monument. Old stone crosses from 1584 and 1617 stand along the lane. On Google the cathedral holds 4.8 from more than 3,600 reviews.
Good to know
- It is a working church: cover shoulders and knees and keep quiet during services.
- It is busy on Sunday mornings during the liturgy; for a quiet visit come on a weekday.
- Piața Unirii is about 500 m away and Antim Monastery about 400 m.
Opening hours
| Monday | 7–20 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7–20 |
| Wednesday | 7–20 |
| Thursday | 7–20 |
| Friday | 7–20 |
| Saturday | 7–20 |
| Sunday | 7–20 |
Hours may change on public holidays. Check before you go.