Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele
Turnu Măgurele, Teleorman County · Muntenia
About Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele
At a glance: Monasteries and churches in Turnu Măgurele, Teleorman County. Ticket: Free. The visit takes 20 min. Information verified on 10 October 2026.
In the centre of Turnu Măgurele, on Bulevardul Republicii, rises the church of Saint Haralambie, called "the cathedral" in town although it was never an episcopal cathedral. The town's first church, built in 1842–1845, was demolished in 1900 to make room for the present one. King Carol I proposed a monumental church in memory of the heroes of the 1877–1878 War of Independence, and the plan was drawn by the French architect André Lecomte du Noüy, who was then restoring the cathedral at Curtea de Argeș, together with the Romanian architect Dimitrie Maimarolu. The foundation stone was laid on 28 June 1901, and the inscription above the entrance says the work was completed at the end of 1905; sources give slightly different years for the start of construction.
The building has a triconch plan, with an open porch on four columns, a large octagonal tower over the nave and two small ones over the narthex, plus four corner turrets. The plastered brick facades carry twisted string courses, carved stone window frames and relief medallions, with motifs taken from Curtea de Argeș. The 1977 earthquake brought down the large tower, rebuilt between 1985 and 1991, and between 2017 and 2023, according to Wikipedia, the church was restored and strengthened again.
What you can see
The interior oil painting, in the Neo-Byzantine style, was done by Eugeniu Voinescu and the Italian Girolamo Romeo, modelled on St Mark's Basilica in Venice; in the narthex are painted portraits of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth, regarded as the church's founders. The iconostasis is of carved, gilded lime wood, with eight columns with Corinthian capitals, and two massive red marble columns separate the narthex from the nave and carry the choir balcony. The stained glass was made in Bucharest and the oak furniture in the workshop of a local craftsman. Heritage objects include a seven-branched chandelier of silver alloy and icons from the old church.
Good to know
It is a working church and we found no published visiting hours. The parish has no phone or website of its own, and local press has announced no works or closures in the past year; a European-funded municipal project to restore the monument is, however, listed as executed. Do not confuse it with the churches of the same dedication in Iași or Constanța.
- The Neo-Byzantine interior oil painting by Eugeniu Voinescu and Girolamo Romeo, modelled on St Mark's in Venice.
- The portraits of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth painted in the narthex.
- The iconostasis of carved, gilded lime wood, with eight Corinthian columns.
- The three towers and corner turrets, with stone decoration borrowed from Curtea de Argeș.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the church is in the centre of Turnu Măgurele, on Bulevardul Republicii, a few minutes from the Town Hall. From Bucharest it is ~140 km on national roads (about 2 hours).
Public transport: Turnu Măgurele is linked to Bucharest and the towns of Teleorman by intercity buses and minibuses; check timetables beforehand. From the centre the church is a few minutes' 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 Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele
- How much is a ticket to Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele?
- Admission to Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele is free (entry to the church is free).
- How long does a visit to Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele take?
- A visit to Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele takes about 20 min (interior and porch).
- Can you visit Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele with kids?
- Yes, Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
- How do I get to Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele?
- Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele is located at Bulevardul Republicii nr. 6, Turnu Măgurele, Teleorman County. By car: the church is in the centre of Turnu Măgurele, on Bulevardul Republicii, a few minutes from the Town Hall. From Bucharest it is ~140 km on national roads (about 2 hours). Public transport: Turnu Măgurele is linked to Bucharest and the towns of Teleorman by intercity buses and minibuses; check timetables beforehand. From the centre the church is a few minutes' walk.
- When is the best time to visit Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele?
- The best season for Cathedral of Saint Haralambie in Turnu Măgurele: All year round (all year).
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