Bucur Church
About Bucur Church
Bucur Church, dedicated to Saints Athanasius and Cyril, stands on a small hill in Strada Radu Vodă, opposite the Radu Vodă Monastery, whose chapel it once was. The two places of worship used to share the same hill, later split by a street. It is a historic monument (LMI code B-II-m-A-19500) and appears on a map of Bucharest from 1844–1846 under the name “Biserica Bucur”.
The date of its construction is not established. Tradition says it was built by the shepherd Bucur, whose name is also linked to that of the city, while another tradition attributes it to Mircea the Elder, in 1416. Researchers lean towards a building of the 17th century, rebuilt in the first half of the 18th. It was renovated in 1909–1910, when its stone door and window frames were added, and in recent years the site was consolidated, the roof replaced and the tower rebuilt; the church was re-consecrated on 24 June 2018.
What you can see
The church is small but well proportioned, with white façades and a porch with multi-lobed arches on wooden posts, like the verandas of peasant houses. Above rises a plain tower with a wide eave. You climb the steps from the gate with the mosaic of the two saints. Inside you can see an old painted iconostasis and many icons on the walls.
Good to know
The church is in active use and belongs to a parish of its own, separate from that of the monastery. Being small, it is quickly visited outside services; on the feast day, 18 January, it is crowded.
Information verified on 26 October 2026.
- The porch with multi-lobed arches on wooden posts, like a peasant veranda.
- The gate with a mosaic of the two patron saints.
- The old painted iconostasis and the icons on the church walls.
- The plain tower with a wide eave, rising on the hill in Strada Radu Vodă.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the church is in Strada Radu Vodă, in Sector 4, near Piața Unirii, in an area with heavy traffic; it is simpler to leave the car in a nearby car park and climb the steps on foot.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Unirii (M1, M3), ~800 m on foot; Universitate (M2) is a little further. There are also tram and bus stops nearby, on Splaiul Independenței and Calea Văcărești.
- Where to park
The church has no car park for visitors. On the surrounding streets you park in the paid zones (parking meter or app), where spaces fill up quickly on weekdays.
- 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
cafés and restaurants nearby
Frequently asked questions about Bucur Church
- How long does a visit to Bucur Church take?
- A visit to Bucur Church takes about 15 min (the church is small).
- Can you visit Bucur Church with kids?
- Yes, Bucur Church is suitable for children (steps at the entrance).
- Where can I park at Bucur Church?
- There is paid parking at Bucur Church (on the street, paid zone). The church has no car park for visitors. On the surrounding streets you park in the paid zones (parking meter or app), where spaces fill up quickly on weekdays.
- How do I get to Bucur Church?
- Bucur Church is located at 33 Strada Radu Vodă, București. By car: the church is in Strada Radu Vodă, in Sector 4, near Piața Unirii, in an area with heavy traffic; it is simpler to leave the car in a nearby car park and climb the steps on foot. Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Unirii (M1, M3), ~800 m on foot; Universitate (M2) is a little further. There are also tram and bus stops nearby, on Splaiul Independenței and Calea Văcărești.
- When is the best time to visit Bucur Church?
- The best season for Bucur Church: All year round (lovely when the hill is green).
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