The bell tolls. A sound echoing through centuries. This is the Biserica Voievodală “Izvorul Tămăduirii” Mavrogheni.
This isn’t just any church in Bucharest. It’s a living testament to faith healing and resilience. Built between 1786 and 1790 by the Greek ruler Nicolae Mavrogheni and his wife Maria Doamna it stands as a symbol of gratitude. Their daughter’s miraculous recovery inspired its creation.
The church’s name Izvorul Tămăduirii translates to “The Spring of Healing”. It’s a reference to a legend of Emperor Leon the Great. Before his reign Leon encountered a blind man in a forest who begged for water. Guided by the Virgin Mary Leon led the man to a spring. The blind man drank and his sight was restored. Leon later built a church near the spring.
The Mavrogheni church initially served as a monastery for almost a century. Its first abbot was Ieromonahul Dionisie. After secularization under Alexandru Ioan Cuza in 1863 it became a parish church. It was more than a place of worship. It was part of a larger estate. This included a hospital a school a fountain and even a main water reservoir supplying the area.
Throughout its history the Biserica Voievodală “Izvorul Tămăduirii” Mavrogheni has faced hardship. A major earthquake in 1839 severely damaged it. It was rebuilt in 1847. Further damage from the 1940 earthquake and 1944 bombings necessitated more repairs. The bell tower was even destroyed but rebuilt in 1997. Despite the setbacks this enduring church stands tall.
The original iconostasis remains. It’s a stunning example of fresco painting. Each icon is beautifully framed within its own individual window. Master Costin Ioanid’s interior paintings notably include a depiction of the zodiac under the dome. Recent renovations 2007-2008 involved structural reinforcement roof replacement and interior restoration.
This church is more than stone and mortar. It’s a final resting place for notable figures. Sculptor Constantin Brâncuși sang in its choir as a student. The renowned writer Ion Heliade Rădulescu is buried here. His “Curierul Românesc” the first Romanian magazine printed in Cyrillic script was printed in the church’s former printing press. Artist Horia Bernea wished to be buried close to the Museum of the Romanian Peasant. He is now at rest in this sacred ground. The Biserica Voievodală “Izvorul Tămăduirii” Mavrogheni continues to be a place of worship prayer and reflection. A living link to Bucharest’s rich history.