It is the town's most important monument: a bishop's seat more than 600 years old and a church from the time of Petru Rareș, with 16th-century frescoes.
About the place
It stands on the site of the St Friday church (Sfânta Vineri), mentioned in a 1408 charter of Prince Alexandru cel Bun; he also made Roman a bishop's seat, probably between 1408 and 1413. The present church was begun by Petru Rareș in 1542, overseen by Bishop Macarie, and finished in 1550 by his son Iliaș, according to the founding inscription. It has a trefoil plan modelled on St George's church in Suceava, an octagonal tower and large buttresses.
The paintings date from the 16th and the 18th centuries. The 1980–1983 restoration uncovered old inscriptions scratched into the frescoes, among them one in Latin recording Michael the Brave passing through the town in 1600. The walls between the nave, narthex and porch were replaced by arches in 1805, the year the iconostasis was painted. In the precinct you can see the 1786 bell tower, the 1870 bishop's palace and Veniamin Costachi's house, finished in 1800.
Good to know
- Services, according to the archdiocese website: Monday to Friday matins and liturgy at 7 am and vespers with the akathist at 4 pm; on Sundays and feast days the liturgy at 8 am.
- Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and ask before taking photos inside the church.
- The archdiocese also has a museum collection of icons, old books and vestments; ask the office, on +40 233 744 683, whether it can be visited.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.