Russian Church (Saint Nicholas)
About Russian Church (Saint Nicholas)
On Strada Ion Ghica, a few steps from University Square, among buildings from the early 20th century, stands a Russian-style church with seven towers and façades of pink-yellow brick. It was built between 1905 and 1909 on the initiative of the Russian ambassador Mikhail Giers, with the consent of Tsar Nicholas II, for the embassy and for the Russian faithful in Bucharest; the construction cost about 600,000 gold roubles, and the work was done by Russian and Italian craftsmen to plans by the architect Preobrazhensky. It was consecrated on 26 November 1909. The plan is trefoil-shaped, and the main tower is 35 m high.
The church was closed during the First World War, and services resumed after 1921. In 1956 the building passed into the ownership of the Romanian Patriarchate, and since 1992 it has served as the University Chapel, the first church with this purpose in Romania after 1990. The 1977 earthquake cracked the main tower; its consolidation and the restoration of the interior painting followed in the 2000s.
What you can see
Outside, the façades are clad in brick, with bands of glazed ceramic, stone elements and wrought iron, and above the entrance there is a ceramic mosaic of Saint Nicholas. Inside, the carved and gilded wooden iconostasis was made in Moscow on the model of the one in the Cathedral of the Archangels in the Kremlin, with the royal icons painted by Viktor Vasnetsov, and the walls and vault are covered with mural painting. The church also keeps a small part of the relics of Saint Silouan the Athonite, brought in 1992, and a copy of the Pantanassa icon from Vatopedi.
Good to know
The church is an active parish, with services almost every day; the patron saint's day is celebrated on 6 December. Restoration work on the façades and the towers is under way, so scaffolding may be visible on the outside.
Information verified on 25 October 2026.
- The seven towers and the brick façades with glazed ceramic, in a style rare in Romania.
- The ceramic mosaic of Saint Nicholas above the entrance.
- The gilded iconostasis, made in Moscow on the model of the one in the Cathedral of the Archangels in the Kremlin.
- The royal icons and the scene of the Christianisation of the Russian people, painted by Viktor Vasnetsov.
- The relics of Saint Silouan the Athonite and the copy of the Pantanassa icon.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the church is in central Bucharest, on a side street close to University Square; traffic on the surrounding streets is heavy, so the simplest way is to leave the car in a nearby car park and walk.
Public transport: Universitate metro station (M2) is a few minutes on foot, and several bus and tram lines also stop in University Square.
- Where to park
The church has no car park for visitors. In the centre you park on the surrounding streets, in the paid zones (parking meter or app), or in the underground and multi-storey car parks nearby; spaces fill up quickly on weekdays.
- Fees & discounts
Donations towards the restoration work can be made through the parish, at the church shop or at the church office.
- Rules
This is a working place of worship: 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
church shop · steps at the entrance · cafés, restaurants and toilets around University Square · good mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Russian Church (Saint Nicholas)
- How long does a visit to Russian Church (Saint Nicholas) take?
- A visit to Russian Church (Saint Nicholas) takes about 20 min (interior and façades).
- Can you visit Russian Church (Saint Nicholas) with kids?
- Yes, Russian Church (Saint Nicholas) is suitable for children (quiet place, no play area).
- Where can I park at Russian Church (Saint Nicholas)?
- There is paid parking at Russian Church (Saint Nicholas) (in the centre, paid zone). The church has no car park for visitors. In the centre you park on the surrounding streets, in the paid zones (parking meter or app), or in the underground and multi-storey car parks nearby; spaces fill up quickly on weekdays.
- How do I get to Russian Church (Saint Nicholas)?
- Russian Church (Saint Nicholas) is located at 9 Strada Ion Ghica, near University Square, București. By car: the church is in central Bucharest, on a side street close to University Square; traffic on the surrounding streets is heavy, so the simplest way is to leave the car in a nearby car park and walk. Public transport: Universitate metro station (M2) is a few minutes on foot, and several bus and tram lines also stop in University Square.
- When is the best time to visit Russian Church (Saint Nicholas)?
- The best season for Russian Church (Saint Nicholas): All year round (patron saint's day on 6 December).
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