HOSPITAL CHAPEL

Coltea Church is surrounded by the crumbing city hospital, Coltea, and is part of that complex in the heart of Univesity Plaza. It is very old and simply beautiful. Most hospitals here have a chapel attached. Is that a bad sign of the medical system?

ONION DOMES!

This is a very popular church here in the city ....located smack in the middle of town and filled with history, it is near the University area. It's survived only "God knows what" and is undergoing renovations. inside, it is dark, mysterious and amazing.

Click here to learn more about this church:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucharest_Russian_Church

A NEIGHBORHOOD CHURCH

The beautiful mosaic hangs on the outside wall of this neighborhood church in Bucharest. The place was basking in some afternoon summer sun.

WATCHING OVER THE CITY

Some churches seem to keep watch ...this one is gorgeously perched on a hill overlooking Piata Unirii and is the direct opposite of the commerce it looks at all day.

THE SWEET GREEN TOWERS

I love this church ...it sits crowded (can't tell it here, though) between blocks and on a very busy street. It seems so pure and regal there in the midst of the chaos.

THE JOYFUL SHEPHERD CHURCH

This is a very old church in the heart of the city that survived communism somehow. "Bucur" means "joy" and you can see that word in BUCHArest.

CASUAL CORNER

I like the style of this church ...almost looks a little "spanish" you know?? Have no idea the name, but I snapped it today and it sits on the corner of Barbu Vacarescu and Lacul Tei Blvd. in Floreasca.

CONTRAST-TASTIC

The Orthodox Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit (traditional wooden-style) is located in the Titan neighborhood.... such a fantastic contrast witht he wood, concrete, trees and water.

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue) is bustling and old. This church, along with the one below, sits on it. This quaint Orthodox church is snug among the massive blocks it calls neighbors.

PRETTY IN THE PLAZA

The Kretzulescu Church is said to have been built in 1722... now it sits in Victory Plaza and is a excellent piece of church history.

PATRIARHIA ROMANA

...or maybe "ground zero" for the Romanian Orthodox Church. This is the main cathedral for the entire church. Quite spectacular inside and it sits on a hill overlooking the city. 

MONASTIC LIFE

Chernica Monastery sits rather pretty in the photo..... there are a lot of monasteries here because the city is "headquarters" for the Orthodox church. 

1724

...that is the year this jewel was complete. Biserica Stavropoleos is one of the best-kept secrets in Bucharest. It's in an area called Lipscani, which is having a re-birth of sorts. 

A TRANQUIL SPOT

This quiet spot sits surrounded by a very busy tram station and fronts one of the city's busiest streets.... but you'd nevver know it from this angle of Biserica Sfant Gheorghe (St. George's Church) 

SNOW WHITE

Biserica Mihai Voda covered in snow...... 

NICE!

Antim Monastery in Bucharest, nestled among (what else) but apartment blocks! 

TIMISOARA'S METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

A nod to our former "hometown" and a great shot of the cathderal downtown... love the green, green grass. 

TARGU-MURES BEAUTY

This sits proudly in T-M, in the beautiful mountains. This city was part of Hungary in the past. 

THE LOST POPULATION

This is a former Jewish Synagogue in Targu Mures. The Jewish population was virtually wiped-out between the World War II and communist purges. Many stand, but few are used.

IF IT AIN'T ONE THING.... IT'S ANOTHER

It's a long story... but then here, most of them are. We went for 2 months with no internet and our digital camera was stolen. So, very difficult to photograph all of the desirable churches in Bucharest. I am not above "borrowing," however. The one above was taken by our frined Becky in Targu Mures.