Top Religious Buildings (Self Guided), Sinaia

The Old Church is a member of the Sinaia monastery, as well as Biserica Mare (The Great Church and the Bell Tower). It was built around 1695. The church was restored between 2006 and 2009, and re-opened to visitors shortly thereafter. Pârvu Mutu, a notable painter of churches in Romania, has work featured at The Old Church.

Under the leadership of Hegumens Ioasaf and Paisie, construction of The Great Church began in 1842 using funds allocated by the monastery and was completed in 1846. This smaller structure was enlarged by the Board of Civil Hospitals during a period from 1897 to 1903. These efforts gave the building the appearance it has today.

Created by architect George Mandrea, the structure utilizes the Moldavian style and the Brâncovenesc style from Walachia. It is said that the belt of three green enamel lines that encircle the building represent the unity of the Holy Trinity in one God and the unity of the Three Romanian Kingdoms in one country.

The gold mosaic paintings were created by Danish artist Aage Exner in a typical neo-Byzantine style.

The furniture was made of wood by Constantin Babic and his students at the Bucharest Art School (Ṣcoala de Arte si Meserii). The King's throne displays the royal emblem and the motto Nihil sine Deo (Nothing without God). Both thrones are gold-plated.

A remarkable piece adorning the monastery is the epitaphios by Anna Roth, made of silk and gold on a cotton base. It took three years (from 1897 to 1900) to finish.

During the leadership of egumen Nifon Popescu (1888-1909). the Bell Tower was added and has since served as a phenomenal monastery. The bell weights 1700 kg. and was brought from the Colţea Tower in Bucharest (or one of the most important bell towers in the capital of Romania). Today, Bell Tower is a prominent monastery, celebration of traditional orthodox holidays as well as other special occasions. Also, the tower features a designated monk that rings the bell everyday for more that 60 years.

Romano-Catholic Church is a modern edifice, built in the old Baroque and Romanesque styles. The church provides many great bas-reliefs as well as delightfully delicate wooden furniture (made by hand). This is the only catholic spot in the city. Foreign and local visitors alike call Romano-Catholic Church "little Vatican church".

Evangelic Church is a rather old edifice, built in the strict traditions of orthodox church construction, painting and design. Dating back to 1600, the interiors contain very old sacred objects (of national importance) as well as terrific paintings on the ceilings.

Another pearl of the great Sinaia city is the central Ortodox Church. Wooden icons painted by unknown hands will enchant your eyes along with the fantastic smell of a special bread called "nafura". The church features many outdoor decorations which are closely connected to the churches of the Dobrogea region. Locals flock here on holidays, weddings and baptisms.