Kretzulescu Church — Attraction in Bucharest

Kretzulescu Church: A Hidden Sanctuary in the Heart of Bucharest In the midst of Bucharest’s grand boulevards and busy intersections, just steps from Revolution Square, stands a modest brick church that quietly holds centuries of history within its walls. Kretzulescu Church (Biserica Crețulescu) isn’t one of the city’s largest religious buildings — but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in soul.

Built in the early 18th century by boyar Iordache Crețulescu and his wife Safta (a daughter of Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu), the church is a beautiful example of Brâncovenesc architecture — a distinctive Romanian style that blends Byzantine, Ottoman, and Western elements into something uniquely local. With its red-brick exterior, delicate stone carvings, and serene colonnaded porch, the church feels like a portal to another time.

What’s especially striking is how quiet and still the space feels, even though it’s surrounded by the constant movement of downtown Bucharest. You can walk out of the noise and right into calm — it’s almost like stepping into a bubble. Locals still come here to light candles, whisper prayers, or simply pause from their day, and as a visitor, you're welcome to share in that moment of peace.

Inside, the church is intimate and softly lit. Frescoes and icons, some dating back to the original construction, others lovingly restored after earthquakes and war damage, cover the walls. The scent of incense lingers in the air, mixing with old wood and stone — a sensory reminder that this place has been alive with devotion for hundreds of years.

Kretzulescu Church has also survived a lot. It was damaged in the 1940 earthquake, and again during World War II. Even in the Communist era, when many churches were destroyed or closed, Kretzulescu remained standing — though it was threatened. It became a subtle symbol of quiet resilience, right in front of what would later be known as Revolution Square, where history would once again unfold in 1989.

And that’s what gives this little church such presence: it’s not just old, it’s witnessed history. It has stood through empires, regimes, revolutions — and it's still here, doors open, candles glowing, choir voices sometimes echoing through its halls on a Sunday morning.

Whether you're a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or just someone looking for a moment of reflection in the city — Kretzulescu Church is worth your time. It won’t overwhelm you with grandeur, but it will gently invite you to slow down and pay attention.

Sometimes, it’s the quietest places that leave the loudest...

The Kretzulescu Church (Biserica Kretzulescu), located at the edge of Piața Revoluției in Bucharest, stands as one of the finest surviving examples of Brâncovenesc architecture — Romania’s unique blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, Renaissance, and Baroque influences. Built between 1720 and 1722 by the boyar Iordache Kretzulescu and his wife Safta, daughter of Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, the church has witnessed nearly three centuries of Romanian history unfolding around its solid red brick walls.

Its architectural beauty lies in its harmonious proportions, elegant portico supported by sculpted stone columns, and richly frescoed interior. The carefully restored iconostasis and original frescoes offer a glimpse into the depth and refinement of Romanian Orthodox artistry. Despite suffering damage during the 1940 earthquake and later during the Revolution of 1989, the church was restored multiple times and remains a symbol of endurance, faith, and cultural continuity in the very heart of Bucharest.

Positioned near key historical landmarks — such as the former Royal Palace, the Romanian Athenaeum, and the Revolution Memorial — Kretzulescu Church forms part of a deeply symbolic urban landscape where spiritual, cultural, and political narratives intersect. Walking past it, one cannot help but feel the quiet dignity it carries, having survived regimes, revolutions, and modernization.

As a minor drawback, however, I must note that access can be challenging. In many instances, whether on weekdays or weekends, I have often found the church closed, with no clear information on visiting hours. While this adds a certain air of mystery, it can be disappointing for visitors eager to experience its serene interior.

Nonetheless, Biserica Kretzulescu remains a precious architectural and historical jewel of Bucharest — a quiet witness to the city's complex past and...

Kretzulescu Church is an Eastern Orthodox church in central Bucharest, Romania. Built in the Brâncovenesc style, it is located on Calea Victoriei, nr. 45A, at one of the corners of Revolution Square, next to the former Royal Palace. The church was commissioned in 1720–1722 by the boyar Iordache Crețulescu and his wife Safta, a daughter of prince Constantin Brâncoveanu. Originally, the exterior was painted, but since the restoration work done in 1935–1936 (under the supervision of architect Ștefan Balș), the facade is made of brick. The frescoes on the porch date from the original structure, while the interior frescoes were painted by Gheorghe Tattarescu in 1859–1860. The church, damaged during the November, 1940 earthquake, was repaired in 1942–1943. In the early days of the communist regime, Kretzulescu Church was slated for demolition, but was saved due to efforts of architects such as Henriette Delavrancea-Gibory. More renovations took place after the Bucharest earthquake of 1977 and the Revolution of 1989. To the side of the church now stands now a memorial bust...