Episcopia Ortodoxa Sarba (Serbian Bishops' Collection), Timisoara

The Serbian Orthodox Episcopal Palace is one of the defining landmarks of Union Square. Built between 1745 and 1748 at the request of Bishop Georgije Popovic, the palace originally served as both an episcopal residence and the seat of the Rascian school. Its first architectural form followed the provincial baroque style typical of the Habsburg period. Over time, the building became a centre of religious and cultural life for the Serbian community, hosting significant events such as the 1790 gathering of the superior clergy of the Archbishopric of Carlowitz.

The 19th century brought major changes, with extensions that gave the palace a more historicist look. After the Romanian Orthodox Church in Transylvania and Banat separated from the Serbian hierarchy in 1864, the palace returned fully to the Serbian Orthodox Episcopate. At the turn of the 20th century, Bishop Georgije Letic initiated another round of remodeling. Under the plans of architect Laszlo Szekely, the facades were redesigned in 1905–1906, blending eclectic and Byzantine-inspired elements. Neo-Serbian decorations were added above the windows, and a monumental pediment with Russian architectural influences was set at the roofline.

Today, the palace houses the Museum Collection of the Serbian Orthodox Bishopric, established in 1967. Spread across six rooms, the collection preserves valuable icons, religious artifacts, and historical documents, alongside a precious library and archive that includes the original plans of the building. Visitors will also find cafés, restaurants, and an antique shop at ground level, adding to the lively atmosphere of Union Square. The building’s restorations in 1983 and again between 2010 and 2013 ensured that its Secession-style details and rich history continue to stand out in the architectural ensemble of the square.

The Episcopal Palace is not only a monument of faith but also a reminder of Timisoara’s multicultural heritage. Its coat of arms, proudly displayed above the entrance, symbolizes the enduring presence of the Serbian Orthodox Bishopric in the city, while its evolving architecture reflects the broader currents of Central European design over nearly three centuries.