Ever wondered where a street lends its name to a church? That’s the story of Biserica Măntuleasa. We are standing before a testament to faith and history. The Biserica Măntuleasa is a Romanian Orthodox church. It stands at 20 Măntuleasa Street in Bucharest. This sacred place is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel.
The church’s name comes from the street it calls home. The street itself is named after a wealthy merchant named Manta. Manta once owned land in this very area. Manta’s sister Maria and his wife Stanca built the church. The construction was completed around 1733. This is according to the old inscription or pisanie.
Over time, Biserica Măntuleasa has seen changes. At one point, it was made larger. This was done by closing the portico and adding another one in front. An earthquake caused the dome to fall. A temporary wooden dome replaced the original. Between 1924 and 1930, the church was restored. It was brought back to its original design.
The Biserica Măntuleasa is small but significant. It measures 22 meters in length and about 8 to 10 meters in width. The dome reaches a height of 18 meters. The church has a cross shape. Its roof is covered in tin. A long gutter runs along the edge. The portico features three arches on the main facade. Each side has one arch. These arches rest on large brick columns. They are painted for a unique look. The dome is octagonal. Narrow windows punctuate its sides. It sits on a square base above the narthex.
Inside Biserica Măntuleasa, Byzantine frescoes adorn the walls. They came to light during a cleaning in 1925. Their style and colors date back to the Brâncovenesc period. The exterior walls are divided into two sections. A painted row separates them. Above the entrance, there’s a recess. Here, you’ll find an icon of the patron saints. Paintings of Saints Nicholas and Stylianos flank the icon.
Romania’s Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs recognizes Biserica Măntuleasa. Both the church and its parish house are listed as historic monuments.
The Biserica Măntuleasa has a typical Brâncovenesc architectural style. The founders built the church in 1734. The church was restored several times. Restorations were needed especially after the 1940 earthquake. The interior includes a painting of the patron saints. Paintings of Saints Nicholas and Stylianos are on its sides.
Mircea Eliade, a famous Romanian writer, lived here for several years. He spoke of these places in his prose. In his fantastic novella “On Măntuleasa Street”, Eliade wrote that this was a mysterious place.
The Biserica Măntuleasa stands as a reminder of Bucharest’s rich past. It embodies the artistic and religious traditions of Romania. The church is an oasis of spirituality. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of art, history, and faith. It is all captured within these walls.