Bucharest Russian Church, Bucharest

Nestled just off University Square in the heart of Bucharest’s historic center, the Saint Nicholas Russian Church is a gem of early 20th-century Russian Orthodox architecture. Built between 1905 and 1909 at the behest of Russian Ambassador Mikhail Nikolaevich Giers and funded by Tsar Nicholas II, this church was originally intended for the Russian diplomatic community and expatriates living in Romania at the time.

The church is a rare example of Russian Revival style in Romania, featuring seven gilded onion domes perched atop pink-and-yellow brick façades. The domes, eye-catching with their traditional motifs and crowned by golden Orthodox crosses, were designed in the Neo-Russian style, tinged with the Art Nouveau spirit that was prevalent in Europe at the turn of the century. Entering through an elaborately carved stone portal, you step into a sanctuary that dazzles with ornate iconography and rich décor.

Inside, the iconostasis is a masterpiece in its own right-hand-carved in Moscow and coated in gold leaf, modeled after the one in the Archangel Cathedral of the Kremlin. Russian painter Vasiliev originally adorned the interior walls with vivid oil frescoes, later restored by Anatolie Cudinov in the mid-20th century. The result is an immersive visual journey, blending Byzantine influences of Mount Athos with the vibrant palette of Russian ecclesiastical art.

Today, the church serves a dual purpose. Since 1992, it has functioned as the University of Bucharest’s chapel, earning the affectionate name of the “Students’ Church.” It is open to anyone seeking reflection, culture, or spirituality.