Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral
About Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Demetrius the Great Martyr, the Myrrh-Streaming, known in Craiova as the Princely Church or “Băneasa”, is the main church of the Metropolis of Oltenia and is dedicated to Saint Demetrius, the patron saint of the city. It stands on Strada Matei Basarab, opposite Casa Băniei, in the old core of the city where the houses of the bans of Craiova once stood.
An older church stood on the spot, which Matei Basarab rebuilt in 1651. The 1838 earthquake and the decay that followed left it unusable, and it was closed in 1849. Today's building was raised from the foundations between 1889 and 1933, to plans by the French architect André Lecomte du Nouÿ, with the support of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth, and was consecrated on 26 October 1933. Since 1939 it has been the metropolitan cathedral of Oltenia, and the metropolitans of Oltenia have been enthroned in it. After the 1977 earthquake it was reinforced and reconsecrated in 1978. The Metropolis of Oltenia comprises the Archdiocese of Craiova, the Archdiocese of Râmnic and the dioceses of Severin and Slatina.
What to see
The church has a Greek-cross plan, with exposed brickwork alternating with courses of stone, blind arcades and three domes with copper roofing: two smaller ones above the narthex and a larger one above the nave. The open porch, with stone pillars, keeps the inscription from the time of Matei Basarab next to the door.
Inside, the mural painting, done with a lot of gold, is the work of French painters, and the iconostasis was painted in 1933 by Iosif Keber. On either side of the nave are the tombs of Metropolitans Firmilian and Nestor. The cathedral houses the relics of Saint Nifon, Patriarch of Constantinople, of Saints Sergius and Bacchus and of Saint Tatiana the Martyr.
Good to know
It is a working church: visit outside services or with respect for them. The patron saint's day is celebrated on 26 October, and on the eve a procession with the holy relics goes through the streets of the centre.
- The exposed-brick façade, with alternating courses of stone, and the three domes with copper roofing.
- The open porch, with stone pillars and the inscription from the time of Matei Basarab next to the door.
- The mural painting, rich in gold, by French painters, and the iconostasis painted by Iosif Keber in 1933.
- The relics of Saint Nifon, of Saints Sergius and Bacchus and of Saint Tatiana inside.
- The tombs of Metropolitans Firmilian and Nestor, on either side of the nave.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the cathedral is in the centre of Craiova, on Strada Matei Basarab, opposite Casa Băniei. From Bucharest it is ~230 km (~2 hours 40 minutes, on the A1 as far as Pitești and then on the expressway to Craiova), and from Drobeta-Turnu Severin ~110 km (~2 hours 10 minutes, on the DN6).
On foot: it is ~600 m (~8 minutes) from Piața Mihai Viteazul and ~3.2 km (~45 minutes) from Craiova railway station.
- Where to park
Park on the surrounding streets, in the paid zone of the centre of Craiova.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the cathedral is free.
- Rules
It is a working church: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered, men bare-headed), quiet during services, no food or drink. Photography inside is done respectfully, outside services.
Frequently asked questions about Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral
How much is a ticket to Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral?
Admission to Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral is free. More under “Fees & discounts”
How long does a visit to Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral take?
A visit to Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral takes about 20 min (exterior and interior).
Can you visit Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral with kids?
Yes, Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral is suitable for children (quiet during services).
Where can I park at Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral?
There is paid parking at Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral (on the street, in the centre). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral?
Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral is located at Strada Matei Basarab nr. 14, Craiova, Dolj County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral?
The best season for Saint Demetrius Metropolitan Cathedral: All year round (patron saint's day: 26 October).
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