Batiștei Church
About Batiștei Church
Batiștei Church stands on Batiștei Street, in the University area, a few minutes from the National Theatre. The present masonry church was built in 1763–1764 by the overseer Manciu, his wife Ilinca and the merchants of the market, replacing an older wooden church mentioned in documents from 1660. Its dedication is the Dormition of Saint Anne, together with Saint Parascheva.
The name comes from the Batiștei neighbourhood. According to the theory supported by documents, "batiște" was the enclosure where cattle brought for slaughter were kept; another theory links it to the 17th-century boyar Baptista Velleli. The style is late Brâncoveanu: balanced proportions, an open porch, carved door and window frames and Byzantine-inspired mural painting. The last major restoration was in 1993, and the church is a listed historic monument (LMI code B-II-m-A-18095).
What you can see
The porch opens onto the yard through three pointed arches, and above them the façade carries panels and medallions with painted icons. A row of medallions with saints also runs along the side façades, under the eaves, above a carved stone belt course. The octagonal tower has tall arcading. Inside, the iconostasis is of carved wood and the walls are painted in the Byzantine manner, with ornaments from the Phanariote period; the icon of the patron saint, from 1833, shows Saint Anne in the centre. Manciu, who died in 1766, was buried in the vestibule, in the place reserved for founders.
Good to know
The church is in active use, with services every week; visits are made between services, in decent dress. The façade and the porch can also be seen from the street, through the iron fence.
Information verified on 26 October 2026.
- The open porch, with three pointed arches, and the painted medallions on the façade.
- The row of medallions with saints on the side façades, under the eaves.
- The octagonal tower, with tall arcading.
- The Byzantine-inspired mural painting inside.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the church is on Batiștei Street, in central Bucharest, in the University area, where traffic is heavy; the simplest is to leave the car in a nearby car park and walk.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Universitate (M2), ~500 m on foot; Piața Romană (M2) is ~1 km away.
- Where to park
The church has no car park of its own for visitors. On the surrounding streets you park in the paid zones (parking meter or app), where spaces fill up quickly.
- Rules
This is a working Orthodox church: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men bareheaded in the church), quiet, no food or drink. Do not use a flash and do not take photos during services; ask if you are unsure.
- Facilities
open porch · cafés and restaurants nearby · good mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Batiștei Church
- How long does a visit to Batiștei Church take?
- A visit to Batiștei Church takes about 20 min (façade, porch and interior).
- Can you visit Batiștei Church with kids?
- Yes, Batiștei Church is suitable for children (quiet place, no play area).
- Where can I park at Batiștei Church?
- There is paid parking at Batiștei Church (central area, paid zone). The church has no car park of its own for visitors. On the surrounding streets you park in the paid zones (parking meter or app), where spaces fill up quickly.
- How do I get to Batiștei Church?
- Batiștei Church is located at 21 Batiștei Street, București. By car: the church is on Batiștei Street, in central Bucharest, in the University area, where traffic is heavy; the simplest is to leave the car in a nearby car park and walk. Public transport: the nearest metro station is Universitate (M2), ~500 m on foot; Piața Romană (M2) is ~1 km away.
- When is the best time to visit Batiștei Church?
- The best season for Batiștei Church: All year round (visit between services).
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