St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church)
About St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church)
On Sfântul Constantin Brâncoveanu Street in Făgăraș stands the church that locals simply call "Brâncoveanu's". The town's Orthodox community had been left without a place of worship after its old church burned down, and the authorities of the Principality of Transylvania would not let them build another. They asked for help from the ruler of Wallachia, Constantin Brâncoveanu, who obtained the consent of Prince Mihai Apafi II on condition that the walls be neither too thick nor too high, so as not to overshadow Făgăraș Citadel. Work began in 1697 under Neagoe Pitar Rătescu and was finished in 1698.
The building belongs to the Brâncovenesc style: two bands of exposed brick running around the walls, cornices under the eaves, an open porch with ten octagonal columns and an octagonal bell tower above the pronaos. The architect is unknown; he is thought to have trained at the Hurezi school. From 1723 the church was taken over by the Greek Catholics and served as an episcopal seat until 1737, and in 1948, after the Greek Catholic Church was banned, it returned to the Orthodox.
What you can see
Outside you can see the seven windows with carved stone frames, the door with its original frame, the arches of the porch and the polygonal apse, ringed by the red brick bands. Inside, the iconostasis of carved, gilded oak, made by the painter Preda from Câmpulung, is the original, with registers of icons and carved floral and geometric decoration. The altar and nave are painted in fresco, between 1719 and 1721, by Preda and his sons Preda and Teodosie. The paintings were cleaned and restored between 1994 and 1998, and the church was reconsecrated on 30 September 1998.
Good to know
The church is an active parish and can be visited during its liturgical hours; organised groups can ask for an appointment. The parish is raising donations to replace the roof with hand-made tiles, so scaffolding may appear around the building.
Information verified on 24 October 2026.
- The original iconostasis of carved, gilded oak, from 1698–1699, made by the painter Preda from Câmpulung.
- The fresco paintings in the altar and nave, from 1719–1721, restored in 1994–1998.
- The open porch with ten octagonal columns and the octagonal bell tower.
- The seven windows with carved stone frames and the door with its original frame.
- The bands of exposed brick, the hallmark of the Brâncovenesc style.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Făgăraș is on the DN1, ~66 km west of Brașov (~1 hour) and ~76 km east of Sibiu (~1 hour). The church is ~600 m from Făgăraș Citadel, an 8–10 minute walk from the centre.
Public transport: Făgăraș railway station has trains to Brașov and Sibiu; from the station it is a ~15-minute walk to the church, or a short taxi ride. Brâncoveanu Monastery at Sâmbăta de Sus is ~29 km away.
- Fees & discounts
Entry is free; the parish charges no visiting fee.
- Rules
Modest dress, as in any Orthodox church: shoulders and knees covered. During services, do not walk around the church or take photos.
Frequently asked questions about St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church)
- How much is a ticket to St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church)?
- Admission to St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church) is free. Entry is free; the parish charges no visiting fee.
- How long does a visit to St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church) take?
- A visit to St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church) takes about 30 min (church and churchyard).
- Can you visit St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church) with kids?
- Yes, St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church) is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
- How do I get to St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church)?
- St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church) is located at Strada Sfântul Constantin Brâncoveanu (fosta Tudor Vladimirescu) nr. 16, Făgăraș, Brașov County. By car: Făgăraș is on the DN1, ~66 km west of Brașov (~1 hour) and ~76 km east of Sibiu (~1 hour). The church is ~600 m from Făgăraș Citadel, an 8–10 minute walk from the centre. Public transport: Făgăraș railway station has trains to Brașov and Sibiu; from the station it is a ~15-minute walk to the church, or a short taxi ride. Brâncoveanu Monastery at Sâmbăta de Sus is ~29 km away.
- When is the best time to visit St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church)?
- The best season for St Nicholas Church in Făgăraș (Brâncoveanu Church): All year round (all year).
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