About Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila
At a glance: Monasteries and churches in Brăila, Brăila County. Ticket: Free. The visit takes 30 min. Information verified on 10 October 2026.
In the centre of Brăila, on Calea Călărașilor, stands the Greek Church, dedicated to the Annunciation, one of the largest churches in the city. The site was first occupied by a small wooden chapel, where Greek-descended Brăila residents and sailors arriving along the Danube prayed in Greek. In February 1863 a committee of 311 Greeks decided to found the Greek Community and build a proper church, with the approval of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza. The foundation stone was laid on 8 September 1863, and the work, directed by the architect Avraam Ioanidis of Bursa and carried out by Italian craftsmen, lasted nine years. The church was consecrated on 29 October 1872 by Bishop Melchisedec of the Lower Danube.
The building measures 43.40 m in length at the base and has a cross-shaped plan, with a central dome resting on four white marble columns. One enters through a porch with four columns, above which is a balcony with four more, and higher still rises the bell tower, with a Swiss clock. The style is Byzantine, with influences from Greek Antiquity and the Renaissance. Since 6 May 1974 it has been a parish church, and services are held in Romanian.
What you can see
The interior has three altars: the central one, of the Annunciation, under a canopy with six carved columns, the southern one, of Saint Nicholas, and the northern one, of Saint Gerasimos of Kefalonia. The painting was done in stages by Gheorghe Tattarescu (1880), the Greek painter Constantinos Livadas Liochis (1900–1902) and Belizarie (1945–1946). The gold-leaf iconostasis was made by craftsmen brought from Constantinople by the Greek community, and a large Murano crystal chandelier hangs at the entrance. Under one of the altars, 12 m down, is the Healing Spring, discovered, according to tradition, while the foundations were being dug; pilgrims come here especially during Bright Week.
Good to know
In 2018–2021 the parish ran a European project to consolidate and restore the church, worth about 5 million euros; according to the Brăila Museum, in 2023 the restoration of the 3,000 sq m of painting was still under way. We found no visiting hours published by the parish (its website was not working when we checked), so check on the spot. It is a working church: services take priority.
- The porch with four white marble columns, the balcony above it and the bell tower with a Swiss clock.
- The interior painting by Gheorghe Tattarescu, Constantinos Livadas Liochis and Belizarie, covering 3,000 sq m.
- The gold-leaf iconostasis, made by craftsmen from Constantinople, and the Murano crystal chandelier.
- The three altars, dedicated to the Annunciation, Saint Nicholas and Saint Gerasimos of Kefalonia.
- The Healing Spring beneath the altar, 12 m down, a place of pilgrimage during Bright Week.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the church is in the centre of Brăila, on Calea Călărașilor, a few minutes from Traian Square. From Bucharest it is ~200 km, on the DN2/E85 to BuzÄu and then the DN2B (about 3 hours).
Public transport: Brăila is linked to Bucharest, Galați and Constanța by intercity trains and buses; from the station you reach the centre by local transport, and from Traian Square the church is a short walk.
- Rules
It is a working church: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men’s heads uncovered), quiet inside, respect for services. Photograph inside discreetly and without flash, and ask permission during services. Do not touch the sacred objects.
Frequently asked questions about Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila
- How much is a ticket to Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila?
- Admission to Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila is free (entry to the church is free).
- How long does a visit to Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila take?
- A visit to Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila takes about 30 min (interior and porch).
- Can you visit Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila with kids?
- Yes, Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
- Where can I park at Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila?
- There is paid parking at Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila (on the streets in the centre).
- How do I get to Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila?
- Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila is located at Calea Călărașilor 3, Brăila, Brăila County. By car: the church is in the centre of Brăila, on Calea Călărașilor, a few minutes from Traian Square. From Bucharest it is ~200 km, on the DN2/E85 to BuzÄu and then the DN2B (about 3 hours). Public transport: Brăila is linked to Bucharest, Galați and Constanța by intercity trains and buses; from the station you reach the centre by local transport, and from Traian Square the church is a short walk.
- When is the best time to visit Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila?
- The best season for Greek Church “Annunciation” in Brăila: All year round (all year).
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