Kretzulescu Church
About Kretzulescu Church
Kretzulescu Church can be seen from Calea Victoriei, at the corner of Revolution Square, next to the former Royal Palace. It was built in 1720–1722 by the boyar Iordache Kretzulescu and his wife Safta, a daughter of the prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, and consecrated in 1722, with the dedication of the Dormition of the Mother of God and the Synaxis of the Archangels. It is one of the oldest surviving churches in Bucharest and an example of the Brâncoveanu style from the end of the period.
The plan is trefoil-shaped, with one tower above the nave and one above the pronaos, both slender, with narrow, tall windows. The façades are divided into two registers: rectangular panels below, tall double arcading above. The church was originally plastered; after the restoration of 1935–1936, led by the architect Ștefan Balș, it was left in exposed brick. In the communist period its demolition was proposed, but it was saved through the efforts of architects, among them Henriette Delavrancea-Gibory. The last major restoration lasted from 1996 to 2003.
What you can see
The entrance is through an open porch on tall stone columns, with simple arches. The painting in the porch is the original, from 1722, with scenes from the Apocalypse. Inside, the gilded iconostasis and the chandelier are visible from the entrance, and the walls and vaults are painted with saints, biblical scenes and medallions of Christ. Beside the church stands a bust of Corneliu Coposu.
Good to know
The church is in active use, with services every week; visits are made between services, in decent dress.
Information verified on 25 October 2026.
- The original painting of 1722 in the porch, with scenes from the Apocalypse.
- The open porch on stone columns, with simple arches.
- The exposed-brick façades, with double arcading and carved belt courses.
- The gilded iconostasis and the chandelier inside.
- The two slender towers, one over the nave and one over the pronaos.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the church is on Calea Victoriei, at the corner of Revolution Square, in the central part of Bucharest, with heavy traffic; the simplest is to leave the car in a nearby car park and walk.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Universitate (M2), ~600 m on foot; Piața Romană (M2) is ~900 m away. From Gara de Nord you can come by metro or by taxi/app.
- Where to park
The church has no car park of its own for visitors. Around Revolution Square and 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 · steps at the entrance · cafés, restaurants and toilets on Calea Victoriei, nearby · good mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Kretzulescu Church
- What are the opening hours of Kretzulescu Church?
- Opening hours at Kretzulescu Church: daily 08:00 – 18:00. Open daily, 8:00–18:00, subject to the services. On Saturdays matins begins at 8:00 and the Divine Liturgy at 9:00; on Sundays matins is at 8:00 and the Liturgy at 9:30. The schedule of services changes from week to week and is published on the parish website.
- How long does a visit to Kretzulescu Church take?
- A visit to Kretzulescu Church takes about 20 min (the porch and the interior).
- Can you visit Kretzulescu Church with kids?
- Yes, Kretzulescu Church is suitable for children (quiet place, no play area).
- Where can I park at Kretzulescu Church?
- There is paid parking at Kretzulescu Church (central area, paid zone). The church has no car park of its own for visitors. Around Revolution Square and on the surrounding streets you park in the paid zones (parking meter or app), where spaces fill up quickly.
- How do I get to Kretzulescu Church?
- Kretzulescu Church is located at 45 Calea Victoriei, București. By car: the church is on Calea Victoriei, at the corner of Revolution Square, in the central part of Bucharest, with heavy traffic; the simplest is to leave the car in a nearby car park and walk. Public transport: the nearest metro station is Universitate (M2), ~600 m on foot; Piața Romană (M2) is ~900 m away. From Gara de Nord you can come by metro or by taxi/app.
- When is the best time to visit Kretzulescu Church?
- The best season for Kretzulescu Church: All year round (lovely in afternoon light).
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