Disappearing among the blocks on United Nations Boulevard the Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel seems like a forgotten tale. Yet as you walk along Sfinții Apostoli Street you will discover a princely church. It is guarded by a house and a garden. They are like something from a forgotten Bucharest story.
The Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel was once part of the Dudescului district near the Cilibiului Bridge. For a time it was known as the Târnovului Monastery or the Archimandrite’s Monastery. It was first built of wood in the second half of the 16th century. Then in 1636 Prince Matei Basarab built a stone church on the site. Today the Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel still bears princely marks from Matei Basarab and Ștefan Cantacuzino. The parish house has the charm of buildings designed by architect Cristofi Cerchez.
The Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel is built on a trefoil plan. It has very thick walls measuring 1.4 to 1.8 meters. There is a spire on the nave and a bell tower over the pronaos. Both spires have been rebuilt with large windows on each facade. These are surrounded by superimposed arches. The porch is large and square a rare feature. It is bordered by three unequal arches on the west facade and two on the side facades. These rest on stone columns with floral capitals.
Entering the Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel you pass through a portal. It has a stone-carved frame surrounding the inscription. The arch is decorated with two angels’ heads their wings spread. The inscription shows the country’s coat of arms at the top. At the bottom is the Cantacuzinos’ double-headed eagle.
Parish priest Father Casian Dabija and his team welcome those curious to explore this beautiful Orthodox place of worship. The team includes Father George Jambore Father Alexandru Morariu and occasionally Father Nicolae Iordachescu. The Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel awaits you to discover the joy of the Liturgy and the warmth of the people. You can also explore the secrets of this place.
The history of Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel goes back over 400 years. Initially it was made of wood and called Târnovului Monastery. A document from 1626 mentions that the monastery existed in 1585 to 1586. Its property books were “across the Danube in Târnovo because of the malice”.
Over time the Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel has been repaired and adorned by benefactors. It has also been endowed with wealth. Matei Basarab gave it properties including an orchard bought from a “citizen of Bucharest”. Later the monastery received other estates such as Jugureni and Colentina.
Today the Biserica Ortodoxă Sfinții Apostoli Petru și Pavel stands as a testament to Bucharest’s rich history. Its unique architecture and storied past offer a glimpse into a world where princes and monasteries shaped the city’s identity. Take a moment to appreciate this hidden gem a treasure nestled among the modern buildings.