Bucharest Russian Church, Bucharest
Nestled just off University Square in the heart of Bucharest鈥檚 historic center, the Saint Nicholas Russian Church (Biserica Sfantul Nicolae 鈥� Rusa) is a striking gem of early 20th-century Russian Orthodox architecture. Built between 1905 and 1909 at the behest of Russian Ambassador Mikhail Nikolaevich Giers and funded by Tsar Nicholas II, this church was originally intended for the Russian diplomatic community and expatriates living in Romania at the time.
The church is a rare example of Russian Revival style in Romania, featuring seven gilded onion domes perched atop pink-and-yellow brick fa莽ades. The domes, eye-catching with their traditional motifs and crowned by golden Orthodox crosses, were designed in the Neo-Russian style, tinged with the Art Nouveau spirit that was prevalent in Europe at the turn of the century. Entering through an elaborately carved stone portal, you step into a serene sanctuary that dazzles with ornate iconography and rich d茅cor.
Inside, the iconostasis is a masterpiece in its own right鈥攈and-carved in Moscow and coated in gold leaf, modeled after the one in the Archangel Cathedral of the Kremlin. Russian painter Vasiliev originally adorned the interior walls with vivid oil frescoes, later restored by Anatolie Cudinov in the mid-20th century. The result is an immersive visual journey, blending Byzantine influences of Mount Athos with the vibrant palette of Russian ecclesiastical art.
Today, the church serves a dual purpose. Since 1992, it has functioned as the University of Bucharest鈥檚 chapel, earning the affectionate name of the 鈥淪tudents鈥� Church.鈥� Open to anyone seeking reflection, culture, or spirituality, it blends religious services with musical and artistic events, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists. Whether you鈥檙e drawn by its architectural grandeur or its peaceful interior, the Russian Church offers a luminous insight into Bucharest鈥檚 multicultural heritage and spiritual life.
The church is a rare example of Russian Revival style in Romania, featuring seven gilded onion domes perched atop pink-and-yellow brick fa莽ades. The domes, eye-catching with their traditional motifs and crowned by golden Orthodox crosses, were designed in the Neo-Russian style, tinged with the Art Nouveau spirit that was prevalent in Europe at the turn of the century. Entering through an elaborately carved stone portal, you step into a serene sanctuary that dazzles with ornate iconography and rich d茅cor.
Inside, the iconostasis is a masterpiece in its own right鈥攈and-carved in Moscow and coated in gold leaf, modeled after the one in the Archangel Cathedral of the Kremlin. Russian painter Vasiliev originally adorned the interior walls with vivid oil frescoes, later restored by Anatolie Cudinov in the mid-20th century. The result is an immersive visual journey, blending Byzantine influences of Mount Athos with the vibrant palette of Russian ecclesiastical art.
Today, the church serves a dual purpose. Since 1992, it has functioned as the University of Bucharest鈥檚 chapel, earning the affectionate name of the 鈥淪tudents鈥� Church.鈥� Open to anyone seeking reflection, culture, or spirituality, it blends religious services with musical and artistic events, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists. Whether you鈥檙e drawn by its architectural grandeur or its peaceful interior, the Russian Church offers a luminous insight into Bucharest鈥檚 multicultural heritage and spiritual life.
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Bucharest Russian Church on Map
Sight Name: Bucharest Russian Church
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bucharest, Romania
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Bucharest 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.
Old Town Walking Tour
The Historical Center of Bucharest, or the Old Town, as the locals habitually refer to it, is one of the most beloved and attractive areas in the Romanian capital. The neighborhood is really beautiful a place to visit, and you can walk into it pretty much from anywhere in central Bucharest. Ion Constantin Br膬tianu Boulevard crosses the historic heart of the city from Piata Universitate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
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