Catedrala Patriarhală din București

The Patriarchal Cathedral of Bucharest rises on Dealul Mitropoliei (Metropolitan Hill), a quiet rise above Unirii Square, and is the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Church. The complex, built in the second half of the 17th century by the ruler Constantin Șerban Basarab, includes the cathedral itself, the bell tower and the Patriarchal Palace, a former residence and seat of the Chamber of Deputies, the setting for important moments in the country's political history, among them the proclamation of the Union of the Principalities.

The church has the typically Romanian silhouette, with towers and frescoes, following the model of the Curtea de Argeș monastery, and holds relics venerated by the faithful, among them those of Saint Dimitrie the New, the patron saint of Bucharest, brought here in the 18th century. Each year, on his feast day at the end of October, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims climb the hill and queue for hours. Beyond its religious value, the site offers one of the loveliest views in the centre: from the terrace in front of the cathedral the city unfolds at your feet.

Good to know

• It is an active cathedral and a place of pilgrimage — enter with respect, in modest dress, and quietly during services.
• The climb up Metropolitan Hill starts right beside Unirii Square, past the old bell tower.
• The closest metro station is Piața Unirii.

For anyone wanting to understand the role of Orthodoxy in Romanian life, this is the reference point — and a natural stop after a walk through the Old Town, just a few steps higher up.