Three mosaics gleam on the Biserica Giulești Sârbi’s facade. They depict Saints George Nicholas and Demetrius. This unassuming church at the end of Calea Giulești holds a captivating history. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a silent witness to Bucharest’s turbulent past.
The Biserica Giulești Sârbi began as the village church of Giulești-Sârbi. This was back in 1831 long before the area became part of Bucharest. Until 1864 the village relied on a church in the Giulești-Șigănie hamlet. Then came a significant turning point. On April 7 1866 the church was consecrated. This was during the reign of Prince Carol and under the Mitropolit Nifon. Brothers Ion and Vasile Ulieru prominent merchants contributed to its construction. Others like Elena Constantinescu also helped.
The church saw renovations in 1882-1883. It was reconsecrated on May 29 1883. New patrons Saint Stephen the Archdeacon and Saint John the Baptist were added. The Second World War brought destruction. Bombardments in April 1944 destroyed the church steeple. The 1977 earthquake caused further damage. However the Biserica Giulești Sârbi was completely renovated. It reopened in 1982.
The interior was painted in fresco in 1969 by Virginia Videa. The artwork was restored between 1980 and 1982 by Radu Jora Gheorghe. This was during the time of priest Ioan Deleanu. In 1979 Petre Botezatu added a carved iconostasis and painted icons. He also created the ornate choir stalls and episcopal chairs. The church’s triconch plan measures 24 by 8-12 meters. It features deep pentagonal apses. An octagonal steeple without windows and a pyramidal roof rises above the narthex. The western facade ends in a pediment.
Imagine the stories these walls could tell. They witnessed the dark days of the Ceaușescu era. In 1986 the communist authorities ordered the demolition of this church. They wanted to create Lake Ciurel-Dâmbovița. The church and the Crângași I cemetery were to be destroyed. The exhumed remains were moved. A new cemetery was created 200 meters north of the Biserica Giulești Sârbi. A new church Buna Vestire was built nearby.
The Biserica Giulești Sârbi survived. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Its mosaics its history its very existence makes it a unique landmark in Bucharest. Take a moment to appreciate this little piece of history. It’s a story etched in stone and paint. A story waiting to be explored.