Biserica Curtea Veche (Old Court Church), Bucharest

Nestled amid the vibrant atmosphere of Bucharest’s Old Town, Old Court Church is the city’s oldest surviving religious building, dating back to the mid-16th century. Built by Mircea Ciobanul around 1545-1554, it originally served as the princely chapel within the Old Court, the medieval residence of Wallachian leaders, including Vlad the Impaler.

The church is dedicated to the Annunciation and Saint Anthony the Great. Mircea Ciobanul himself is entombed within its walls-a testament to its deep historical significance. Although repeatedly damaged by wars, fires, and earthquakes over the centuries-including a notable restoration after the great fire of 1847-the church has been carefully restored to its near-original appearance through 20th-century efforts.

Architecturally, Old Court Church is a striking example of the Brancovenesc style. Its red brick façade features horizontal banding that alternates with plaster, and original Moldavian buttresses support the structure, elements that were revolutionary in Wallachian ecclesiastical design. Inside, visitors can admire the Pantocrator dome, historic fresco fragments, a carved iconostasis, and the ornate portal added by Stefan Cantacuzino in 1715.

For travelers exploring Lipscani and the ruins of the Old Princely Court, this compact yet profound church offers a rich, contemplative experience. It remains an active place of worship, with weekly Tuesday services attracting large numbers of devotees to venerate Saint Anthony’s icon, a focal point of local religious life.