What remains of Biserica \u201eSf. Visarion Vechi\u201c stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It stands at 14 Visarion Street in Bucharest. This sacred site is near Piata Romana. It shares its dedication with another church. Both honor Saint Bessarion II of Larissa.
Let me tell you about the old church. According to the inscription, it was built in 1797. The archpriest of Bucharest and private secretary to Prince Alexander Ypsilantis commissioned it. The church was dedicated to Saint Bessarion. He was considered a protector against the plague. This was during an epidemic. It was also consecrated to Saints Charalambos and Menas of Egypt.
An earlier church stood on this site. It was made of wood. Its shape resembled a ship. It had a polygonal altar apse. Archaeological evidence dates its construction to the early 18th century. Decades later a masonry church of similar shape replaced it.
Two graves remain in the portico and narthex. One holds the remains of Mihaila. He died during the reign of Alexander Mourouzis from 1793 to 1796. Austrian plans from around 1790 depict the building. It became known as Mihaila’s Church.
The 1797 church featured a cross-shaped plan. A bell tower rose above the narthex. The exterior was divided into two sections. The lower part was decorated with three-lobed arches. The upper part had simple medallions. The surviving portion reflects the post-Brancovenesc style. Deteriorated fragments of decorations and icons hint at the old interior fresco painting. The stone frame of the entrance door is well preserved. It is ornamented with floral motifs. The inscription above the door is also intact.
The 1838 earthquake severely damaged Biserica \u201eSf. Visarion Vechi\u201c. It cracked the ceilings and walls. Repairs were made in 1838 and 1897. It remained in use until 1913. That year the new church was inaugurated. Afterward the old church fell into ruin.
In 1964 the communist regime ordered its demolition. This was done without consulting the historic monuments directorate. The parish priest and an architect intervened. They managed to save the portico. Its three arches show good proportions. The narthex and staircase tower were also saved. These featured important architectural elements. They were restored in 1965 to 1966.
A new roof was built minus the domes. The wall separating the narthex from the nave is now enclosed in protective metal. It has three arches resting on eight-sided stone columns. The demolished nave and altar are marked in concrete. This rises 20 centimeters above the ground. A stone cross marks the site of the altar. Liturgical objects were moved to the new church. The iconostasis and chairs were donated to a church in Silistea Gumesti.
Another repair occurred in 1999. The aim was to use the structure as a chapel. Today Biserica \u201eSf. Visarion Vechi\u201c stands as a historic monument. It reminds us of Bucharest’s layered past. It embodies the enduring spirit of its people. It stands as a testament to survival against formidable odds.