Stavropoleos Church at a glance
Located in the heart of the Old Town of Bucharest, Biserica Stavropoleos (Stavropoleos Church), the Eastern Orthodox church of the monastery of the same name, is the standout landmark of the Lipscani neighborhood. This small but ornate historical monument offers a sharp contrast to the stark Soviet-era facades nearby. Built in the 18th century by a Greek monk named Ioanichie Stratonikeas, it remains a prime example of architecture from the Phanariot era, a period when regional governors were appointed from Constantinople. The name Stavropoleos derives from the Greek Stravopolis, which translates to city of the cross.
Take a moment to examine the facade, which showcases the Brancovan style named after the ruler of Wallachia between 1689 and 1717. This architectural approach is defined by hat-shaped roofs, windows topped with rounded trefoils, and loggias supported by stone or wooden columns.
The paintings and gilding inside Stavropoleos Church feature elegant floral arabesques that frame portraits of saints in medallions. The interior is equally striking, filled with icons and intricate ornamentation. While the structure consists of one single room, there are three distinct areas: the entrance, the altar where priests conduct services, and the central nave where congregants stand. The wall frescoes depict scenes from the life of Christ and various miracles. Near the entrance, portraits of the ruler of the time, Nicolae Mavrocordat, and the original donors were painted as a tribute. Despite its modest size, the space offers a calm and intimate atmosphere. The adjacent cloister, with its small interior courtyard, serves as a quiet refuge. At night, the lighting provides an entirely different perspective on this unique site.
This tiny Orthodox church is located right next to the monastery of the same name, and between the two is a magnificent little courtyard lined with pretty flowers and plants. (The monks were playing religious chants when I walked in.) And the facade of the church is simply superb, adorned with arabesques, colorful, and all intricate. The interior is covered in gilding. You can sometimes catch ceremonies if you are lucky. The church is located at the very end of a street, which is less busy than the others, quiet, and surrounded by trees. That said, you can easily recognize it from a distance! I think if you only visit one monument in Bucharest, this should be the one.
P.S. For women, be sure to wear long clothing (pants, capris sometimes suffice, or long skirts and dresses) inside churches and monasteries out of respect for tradition. If you do not have any, you can still enter the courtyard and look from the outside, it is just as beautiful.