Domnița Bălașa Church
About Domnița Bălașa Church
The church stands on Strada Sfinții Apostoli, a few steps from Piața Unirii, in a park with paths and benches. The site has almost three centuries of history: the first church was raised in 1743–1744 by Domnița Bălașa, daughter of Constantin Brâncoveanu, and her husband, the ban Manolache Rangabe (Lambrino). Around 1750 Bălașa, by then a widow, founded another, dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, which was pulled down after the earthquake of 1838. The third, built in 1838–1842 by Safta Brâncoveanu, was demolished in 1881 because of floods from the Dâmbovița.
The present building is the fourth on the site. The foundation stone was laid on 14 June 1881 in the presence of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth, and the work was finished in 1885, to the plans of the architect Alexandru Orăscu, assisted by Carol Benesch and Friedrich Hartmann. The cross-shaped plan, the domes and the façades with bands of exposed brick and golden ornaments combine Romanesque, Byzantine and Gothic elements. The latest restoration, between 2018 and 2022, cleaned the painting and the stucco.
What you can see
The portal with its columns and arches has painted scenes, and inside the walls and vaults are covered in painting richly ornamented with gold, with scenes from the life of Christ, stained-glass windows and gilded chandeliers. Domnița Bălașa (1693–1752) is buried in a niche, beneath the marble monument “Sorrow”, made in 1884 by Ion Georgescu; on the opposite side stands the monument of Zoe Brâncoveanu, by Jules Roulleau. In the surrounding park, the statue of Domnița Bălașa, by Karl Storck, lists on its base the estates with which she endowed the church.
Good to know
The church is an active parish with daily services; during them visitors are expected to look around discreetly. According to local tradition, no funerals have been held here, only weddings, baptisms and other joyful services.
Information verified on 25 October 2026.
- The portal with columns, arches and painted scenes, framed by bands of exposed brick.
- The interior painting, rich in gold, with scenes from the life of Christ, restored between 2018 and 2022.
- The marble monument “Sorrow” at the tomb of Domnița Bălașa, made by Ion Georgescu in 1884.
- The monument of Zoe Brâncoveanu, sculpted by Jules Roulleau.
- The statue of Domnița Bălașa, by Karl Storck, in the park around the church.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the church is in central Bucharest, at 60 Strada Sfinții Apostoli, near Splaiul Independenței. It is ~4 km (~8 minutes) from the North Station and ~19 km (~27 minutes) from Henri Coandă Airport, without traffic; at rush hour the roads are slow.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Unirii (lines M1 and M3), ~200 m on foot.
- Where to park
Cars are parked on the surrounding streets, in the paid zones (parking meter or app). In the centre spaces fill up quickly; the simplest is to come by metro or on foot.
- Rules
This is a working Orthodox church: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men bareheaded), quiet, no food or drink. Do not use a flash and do not take photos during services.
- Facilities
park with paths and benches around the church · statue of Domnița Bălașa in the grounds · cafés and restaurants around Piața Unirii
Frequently asked questions about Domnița Bălașa Church
- How long does a visit to Domnița Bălașa Church take?
- A visit to Domnița Bălașa Church takes about 30 min (church and surrounding park).
- Can you visit Domnița Bălașa Church with kids?
- Yes, Domnița Bălașa Church is suitable for children (quiet place, park around it).
- Where can I park at Domnița Bălașa Church?
- There is paid parking at Domnița Bălașa Church (on the street, paid zone). Cars are parked on the surrounding streets, in the paid zones (parking meter or app). In the centre spaces fill up quickly; the simplest is to come by metro or on foot.
- How do I get to Domnița Bălașa Church?
- Domnița Bălașa Church is located at Strada Sfinții Apostoli nr. 60, București. By car: the church is in central Bucharest, at 60 Strada Sfinții Apostoli, near Splaiul Independenței. It is ~4 km (~8 minutes) from the North Station and ~19 km (~27 minutes) from Henri Coandă Airport, without traffic; at rush hour the roads are slow. Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Unirii (lines M1 and M3), ~200 m on foot.
- When is the best time to visit Domnița Bălașa Church?
- The best season for Domnița Bălașa Church: All year round (all year).
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