Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
About Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
In Academician Caius Iacob Square, on one of the central axes of Arad, stands the archiepiscopal cathedral dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The foundation stone was blessed on 24 November 1991, and the works lasted more than a decade; the design is by the Timișoara architect Ioan Hăprian, winner of the competition. The cathedral was consecrated on 6 December 2008 by Patriarch Daniel, and the interior painting was blessed in December 2018. It is the first Orthodox episcopal cathedral built in Romania after 1989.
The building, of reinforced concrete, is 62 m long and 35 m wide, and the central tower reaches about 53 m including the cross. The nave holds about 2,000 worshippers, and the chapel in the basement about 400 more. The five bells were cast in Innsbruck in 2003 and weigh over 6.5 tonnes together.
What you can see
On the pediment, the 30 m² icon of the Holy Trinity is a mosaic by the painter Virgil Moraru of Iași, who also made the 44 niches with saints on the façades. Inside, the wall paintings are by Cătălin Băluț and received the national prize of the Union of Visual Artists in 2021, while the iconostasis, carved in sycamore maple and gilded with gold leaf, was designed by the sculptor Sorin Martin. Beneath the nave is the basement chapel, where services have been held since 1996.
Good to know
It is a working cathedral. Do not confuse it with the Old Cathedral of Arad, "Nativity of Saint John the Baptist" (1865), which is a different church in the town centre.
Information verified on 28 October 2026.
- The 30 m² mosaic icon of the Holy Trinity on the pediment.
- The 44 mosaic niches with saints on the façades.
- The wall paintings by Cătălin Băluț and the iconostasis of gilded sycamore maple.
- The five bells cast in Innsbruck in 2003, the largest of over 4 tonnes.
- The basement chapel, with room for about 400 worshippers.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Arad is ~56 km from Timișoara (~50 min, on the A1), ~114 km from Oradea (~1h55, on the DN79), ~345 km from Cluj-Napoca (~4h) and ~566 km from Bucharest (~7h). The cathedral is in the town centre, in Academician Caius Iacob Square, on the axis of Bulevardul Revoluției.
Public transport: from the centre of Arad it is a few minutes on foot, and the city's trams and buses run through the area.
- Where to park
The cathedral has no car park of its own for visitors. Park on the surrounding streets, in the paid zones of the centre (meter or app). On major feast days, especially the patronal feast, spaces fill up quickly.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the cathedral is free.
- Rules
This is a working cathedral: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men bareheaded), quiet, no food or drink. Do not take photos during services and do not walk around the nave while they are held.
- Facilities
basement chapel · daily services
Frequently asked questions about Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
How much is a ticket to Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity?
Admission to Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is free. More under “Fees & discounts”
How long does a visit to Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity take?
A visit to Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity takes about 20 min (outside and inside).
Can you visit Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity with kids?
Yes, Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is suitable for children (plenty of space around).
Where can I park at Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity?
There is paid parking at Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (centre, paid zone). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity?
Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is located at Academician Caius Iacob Square, next to Bulevardul Revoluției, Arad, Arad County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity?
The best season for Archiepiscopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity: All year round (lovely in the afternoon).
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