Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church)
About Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church)
On Piața Victoriei in Lugoj stands the church that locals call the "Big Church" or the "two-tower church". It was built between 1759 and 1766 on the initiative and at the expense of the obercneaz (local magistrate) Gavril Gurean, to plans by the engineer Johannes Breutter of Timișoara, and it is one of the most imposing Baroque buildings in the Banat.
It was consecrated in 1766 by Bishop Ioan Georgevici. Bishop Iosif Ioanovici Șakabent (1786–1805), finding the towers too short for the body of the building, had them raised. A fire in the summer of 1842 badly damaged the interior, and between 1941 and 1944 the church was rebuilt and painted anew; in 2006–2007 the paintings were cleaned and restored.
What you can see
The west façade has a portal with a tympanum and grouped pilasters, and the two 57 m towers are crowned with neo-Baroque domes. The rounded copper roof has dormer windows, and the building is ~42 m long. Inside is a single nave with a trefoil-shaped altar, a sail vault, triple pilasters with Ionic capitals and low balustrades at the windows. The nave is painted in fresco by Anastasie Demian of Timișoara (1941–1944), and the iconostasis, painted in oil by Aurel Ciupe, has the Annunciation on its royal doors. On the east wall of the nave is the portrait of the founder.
Good to know
The church is an active parish and can be visited outside services; during services, visitors should not walk around the church.
Information verified on 29 October 2026.
- The two 57 m Baroque towers with neo-Baroque domes, which dominate Piața Victoriei.
- The nave with its sail vault, painted in fresco by Anastasie Demian in 1941–1944.
- The iconostasis painted in oil by Aurel Ciupe.
- The portrait of the founder, Gavril Gurean, on the east wall of the nave.
- The rounded copper roof with dormer windows, over a building ~42 m long.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the church is on Piața Victoriei, in the centre of Lugoj. From Timișoara take the A1 motorway (~69 km, ~1 hour); from Caransebeș take the DN6 (~45 km, ~45 minutes).
Public transport: Lugoj railway station is ~1 km from the church, a ~15-minute walk.
- Where to park
Park on Piața Victoriei and the surrounding streets in the town centre; parking in the centre may be paid.
- 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 Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church)
How long does a visit to Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church) take?
A visit to Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church) takes about 30 min (the church and the square in front).
Can you visit Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church) with kids?
Yes, Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church) is suitable for children (modest dress and quiet).
Where can I park at Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church)?
There is paid parking at Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church) (in the centre, on the surrounding streets). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church)?
Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church) is located at Piața Victoriei nr. 2, Lugoj, Timiș County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church)?
The best season for Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Lugoj (the Two-Tower Church): All year round (all year).
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