Biserica Mare (Great Church), Sinaia (must see)
The Biserica Mare, or Great Church of Sinaia Monastery, is one of the most important landmarks in the town, uniting history, spirituality, and art. Built between 1843 and 1846 during the reign of Prince Gheorghe Bibescu. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity, the church soon became a spiritual centre for the Prahova Valley. Its construction marked a new chapter for Sinaia, which was shifting from a quiet mountain settlement into a cultural and religious hub.
The current appearance of the church dates largely to 1897鈥�1903, when the Board of Civil Hospitals oversaw extensive rebuilding. Architecturally, it blends styles in a way unique to southern Romania. The Brancovenesc elements, such as the porch with carved stone columns and a decorated portal, harmonize with the Moldavian tradition of tall, fortress-like walls. Inside, the neo-Byzantine gold mosaic paintings, created by Danish artist Aage Exner, add luminous depth, while the gilded and carved iconostasis and proportioned interior convey solemn grandeur.
The details of the interior reveal further layers of artistry. The furniture, crafted from maple and oak by Constantin Babic and his students, includes gold-plated thrones. The king鈥檚 throne bears the royal emblem and the motto Nihil sine Deo (鈥淣othing without God鈥�), while the queen鈥檚 throne displays the initials E.D. In 1903, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia gifted two icons of Saints Serghei and Nicholas to mark the baptism of Prince Nicholas, strengthening the church鈥檚 royal connections.
The Great Church also holds a place in Romanian innovation: under Carol I, it became the first church in the country illuminated by electric light. For visitors today, it offers both an architectural landmark and a living place of worship, where the presence of the Carpathians frames a site rich in history, faith, and royal memory.
The current appearance of the church dates largely to 1897鈥�1903, when the Board of Civil Hospitals oversaw extensive rebuilding. Architecturally, it blends styles in a way unique to southern Romania. The Brancovenesc elements, such as the porch with carved stone columns and a decorated portal, harmonize with the Moldavian tradition of tall, fortress-like walls. Inside, the neo-Byzantine gold mosaic paintings, created by Danish artist Aage Exner, add luminous depth, while the gilded and carved iconostasis and proportioned interior convey solemn grandeur.
The details of the interior reveal further layers of artistry. The furniture, crafted from maple and oak by Constantin Babic and his students, includes gold-plated thrones. The king鈥檚 throne bears the royal emblem and the motto Nihil sine Deo (鈥淣othing without God鈥�), while the queen鈥檚 throne displays the initials E.D. In 1903, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia gifted two icons of Saints Serghei and Nicholas to mark the baptism of Prince Nicholas, strengthening the church鈥檚 royal connections.
The Great Church also holds a place in Romanian innovation: under Carol I, it became the first church in the country illuminated by electric light. For visitors today, it offers both an architectural landmark and a living place of worship, where the presence of the Carpathians frames a site rich in history, faith, and royal memory.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sinaia. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Biserica Mare (Great Church) on Map
Sight Name: Biserica Mare (Great Church)
Sight Location: Sinaia, Romania (See walking tours in Sinaia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Sinaia, Romania (See walking tours in Sinaia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Sinaia, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Sinaia
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sinaia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sinaia Introduction Walking Tour
Sinaia is a wonderful city and resort, located at the base of Bucegi mountain. The city is renowned for its beautiful Romanian architecture which nearly provides as gorgeous a landscape as the backdrop. Here, you will find a vast number of buildings that are known by individuals worldwide, as well as visited by thousands of tourists each year.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles