Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla
About Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla
Armenians who came from Moldavia settled in the 18th century on the spot where Armenopolis, today Gherla, would grow, and their Catholic church of the Armenian rite was raised in the town centre, on a square. Construction began in 1748 and the church was consecrated in 1804; it was dedicated to the Holy Trinity, with Saint Gregory the Illuminator, the apostle of Armenia, as its second patron. An earlier church on the same site had been the seat of Bishop Auxențiu Vărzărescu between 1691 and 1715.
When the Armenian Catholic eparchy of Gherla was re-established in 1929, the church became its cathedral. Today there is no eparchy but an ordinariate, though the name of cathedral has stayed in use. A fire that broke out in the tower in 1960 did heavy damage, and the building was rebuilt in the following years. The style is late Baroque, with white façades, a tower with a clock and a rounded apse.
What to see
From outside the church impresses with its white mass, its grey roof with a lantern and the two towers at the entrance.
Inside, the nave is tall, with columns with Corinthian capitals, painted vaults, large crystal chandeliers and a gilded pulpit. The best-known object is the Descent from the Cross, attributed to Rubens or his school: Emperor Francis I let the Armenians choose a painting from the imperial galleries in Vienna, and the canvas, too small for the high altar, was placed in a side chapel, the Chapel of the Resurrection. In 1944 it was taken to Hungary, it returned to Romania in 1952 and reached Gherla only on 22 December 1999.
Good to know
This is the church of a working parish; visiting depends on services and on who opens it.
Information verified on 27 October 2026.
- The white Baroque façade, with its two towers and the clock tower, seen from Piața Libertății.
- The Descent from the Cross, a painting attributed to Rubens or his school, in the Chapel of the Resurrection.
- The tall nave, with Corinthian columns, painted vaults and crystal chandeliers.
- The clock tower and the small cupola of the bell tower, seen from the corner of the church.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Gherla is ~44 km from Cluj-Napoca (~50 minutes, on the DN1C) and ~14 km from Dej (~17 minutes). The church stands in the town centre, at the edge of Piața Libertății.
Public transport: Gherla lies on the Cluj-Napoca–Dej railway line, and the centre can be covered on foot.
- Where to park
In the centre you park on the streets around the square, in the paid zone; at major services the spaces fill up quickly.
- Rules
This is the church of a working parish: decent dress, shoulders and knees covered, quiet and respect for services. Ask before using a flash or a tripod.
- Facilities
side chapel with the painting attributed to Rubens · toilets, cafés and restaurants in the town centre
Frequently asked questions about Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla
- How long does a visit to Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla take?
- A visit to Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla takes about 30 min (with the painting and interior).
- Can you visit Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla with kids?
- Yes, Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla is suitable for children (quiet during services).
- Where can I park at Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla?
- There is paid parking at Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla (in the centre, on the surrounding streets). In the centre you park on the streets around the square, in the paid zone; at major services the spaces fill up quickly.
- How do I get to Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla?
- Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla is located at Piața Libertății, Gherla, Cluj County. By car: Gherla is ~44 km from Cluj-Napoca (~50 minutes, on the DN1C) and ~14 km from Dej (~17 minutes). The church stands in the town centre, at the edge of Piața Libertății. Public transport: Gherla lies on the Cluj-Napoca–Dej railway line, and the centre can be covered on foot.
- When is the best time to visit Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla?
- The best season for Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla: All year round (all year, with the parish's permission).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla, sorted by distance.
6 km from Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla
13 km from Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla
13 km from Armenian Catholic Cathedral of Gherla
