Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord
About Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord
The Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, is the episcopal church of the Serbian Orthodox Bishopric of Timișoara and stands on Union Square, next to the bishop's palace. It is a Baroque building with a façade in shades of cream and yellow, a red tiled roof and two towers with clocks and onion-shaped spires. It was built between 1744 and 1748 from the donations of the faithful, on the site of an older church destroyed by fire. The towers, with their five bells, were added in 1791, when the church was restored. From the middle of the 19th century, after the Serbian and Romanian Orthodox communities separated, the church remained with the Serbian community. It is a listed historic monument.
The wall facing the square was built in 1822, and the wrought-iron gate on Emanuil Ungureanu Street dates from 1886. Seven bishops are buried in the church, along with several benefactors who left their fortunes to it.
What you can see
The richest feature of the interior is the iconostasis, a wall of carved and gilded wood made by the craftsman Mihailo Janić between 1833 and 1836. Its icons were painted by Konstantin Danil between 1838 and 1843, and the carvings were gilded in 1839. On the vault of the nave, painted medallions sit among floral and geometric ornament; the Pantocrator and the four Evangelists were painted by Stevan Aleksić in 1903. The crystal chandeliers and the small icons in carved frames in the lower part of the church are worth a closer look.
Good to know
It is a working place of worship: there are no visits during services, and dress should be modest. The bishop's palace and the House of the Serbian Community, close by, are separate buildings.
Information verified on 28 October 2026.
- The carved and gilded iconostasis, made by Mihailo Janić between 1833 and 1836, with icons painted by Konstantin Danil.
- The two Baroque towers with clocks and onion-shaped spires, added in 1791.
- The vault of the nave, with painted medallions and Stevan Aleksić's Pantocrator of 1903.
- The crystal chandeliers of the nave, which light up the iconostasis.
- The Serbian ensemble on Union Square: the church, the bishop's palace and the Community House, side by side.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Timișoara is on the A1, ~57 km from Arad (~50 minutes) and ~68 km from Lugoj (~55 minutes). The cathedral is in Cetate, by Union Square, in the central zone where car access is limited; leave the car in a nearby car park and continue on foot.
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.
- Rules
A working place of worship: modest dress, quiet, and no visits during services. Photography and the use of flash should be discreet and agreed with the people on site.
- Facilities
cafés and restaurants on Union Square · good mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord
How much is a ticket to Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord?
Admission to Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord is free (no entrance fee).
How long does a visit to Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord take?
A visit to Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord takes about 30 min (interior and courtyard).
Can you visit Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord with kids?
Yes, Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord is suitable for children (short visit, in quiet).
Where can I park at Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord?
There is paid parking at Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord (in the centre, paid zone). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord?
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord is located at Emanuil Ungureanu Street 14, by Union Square, Timișoara, Timiș County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord?
The best season for Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord: All year round (the interior, all year).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord, sorted by distance.
0 km from Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord
0 km from Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord
0 km from Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension of the Lord
