Roman Catholic Dome of St George
Timișoara, Timiș County · Banat
About Roman Catholic Dome of St George
At a glance: Monasteries and churches in Timișoara, Timiș County. The visit takes 30 min. Information verified on 8 October 2026.
The Dome can be seen from anywhere in Union Square: two low towers with copper domes and clocks, and a façade of pilasters and golden window frames. It is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic bishopric of Timișoara, dedicated to St George, and one of the most unified Baroque buildings in the Banat. The foundation stone was laid in 1736, in Habsburg times, on marshy ground, and work went on in two phases, 1736–1751 and 1755–1774. The plans are attributed to the Viennese architect Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach, but there is no direct evidence; contemporary sources name the Viennese councillor Johann Jakob Schellbauer. The first Mass was held in 1754, before the church was finished, and the solemn consecration took place only on 24 April 1803. Since 1930 it has been the cathedral of the new Diocese of Timișoara.
The towers stayed low because the church was built next to the fortress wall. Between 2019 and 2023 it went through a major restoration, costing over 5 million euros, with EU funds, and when it reopened in April 2023 the façades had been redone, the interior cleaned, and the crypt, joinery and stained glass restored.
What you can see
Inside, the wide nave is divided by piers with pink pilasters, and at the far end stands the high altar, with Michelangelo Unterberger's painting of 1754: St George on horseback, fighting the dragon. On either side of the altar are statues of St Charles Borromeo and St Teresa of Ávila, made by the Viennese sculptor Johann Josef Rössler. The aisles have Baroque and Rococo altars, carved pews and silver lamps, among them the eternal light.
Under the altar is the crypt, where the bishops of Cenad and Timișoara, canons and officers of the fortress are buried; the last bishop interred there is Sebastian Kräuter, in 2008. The crypt is not permanently open and is shown on request. The Wegenstein organ, built in Timișoara in the early 20th century, is used for concerts, among them those of the "Orgile Cetății" festival in summer.
Good to know
The Dome is a working cathedral rather than a parish church: Masses are held in Romanian, German and Hungarian, and at services with the bishop parts are also heard in Latin or other languages. Visiting hours are not published on the diocese's website; if you want to go in, look for a time outside services or call the secretariat.
- The high altar, with Michelangelo Unterberger's painting of 1754: St George on horseback, fighting the dragon.
- The Baroque façade with two low towers and copper domes, seen from the middle of Union Square.
- The crypt of the bishops of Cenad and Timișoara under the altar, shown on request.
- The statues of St Charles Borromeo and St Teresa of Ávila beside the altar.
- The organ concerts, especially those of the "Orgile Cetății" festival in summer.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Timișoara is on the A1, ~55 km from Arad (~45 minutes) and ~60 km from Lugoj (~45 minutes). The Dome stands in the middle of Union Square, in the Cetate district, opposite the Baroque Palace (the Art Museum); the same square also has the Serbian Cathedral, so do not mistake it for the Dome. The centre has a pedestrian zone and limited access for cars.
Public transport: Timișoara Nord railway station is ~2 km away, about 25 minutes on foot or a few stops on the tram. From Victory Square it is a few minutes' walk along the pedestrian streets towards Union Square.
- Where to park
In the centre and around Union Square parking is paid, and spaces fill up quickly at weekends and in the evening. The easiest way is to leave the car in a nearby car park and walk; I found no tariffs published by the diocese.
- Rules
This is the working cathedral of the diocese: modest dress, quiet, and no visits during Mass. Photography rules are not published; ask at the entrance before using flash or a tripod.
- Facilities
wheelchair access improved during the restoration · 3D virtual tour on domtimisoara.ro · cafés and restaurants on Union Square · good mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Roman Catholic Dome of St George
- How long does a visit to Roman Catholic Dome of St George take?
- A visit to Roman Catholic Dome of St George takes about 30 min (longer with the crypt).
- Can you visit Roman Catholic Dome of St George with kids?
- Yes, Roman Catholic Dome of St George is suitable for children.
- Where can I park at Roman Catholic Dome of St George?
- There is paid parking at Roman Catholic Dome of St George (in the centre, paid zone). In the centre and around Union Square parking is paid, and spaces fill up quickly at weekends and in the evening. The easiest way is to leave the car in a nearby car park and walk; I found no tariffs published by the diocese.
- How do I get to Roman Catholic Dome of St George?
- Roman Catholic Dome of St George is located at Piața Unirii no. 12, Timișoara, Timiș County. By car: Timișoara is on the A1, ~55 km from Arad (~45 minutes) and ~60 km from Lugoj (~45 minutes). The Dome stands in the middle of Union Square, in the Cetate district, opposite the Baroque Palace (the Art Museum); the same square also has the Serbian Cathedral, so do not mistake it for the Dome. The centre has a pedestrian zone and limited access for cars. Public transport: Timișoara Nord railway station is ~2 km away, about 25 minutes on foot or a few stops on the tram. From Victory Square it is a few minutes' walk along the pedestrian streets towards Union Square.
- When is the best time to visit Roman Catholic Dome of St George?
- The best season for Roman Catholic Dome of St George: All year round (the interior, all year).
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