Italian Church, Roman Catholic church in Nicolae Bălcescu Boulevard, Romania
The Italian Church of the Most Holy Redeemer stands at 28 Nicolae Bălcescu Boulevard, a red brick building in Lombard Romanesque style with some Gothic and Art Deco elements. It has a Greek-cross plan with a central dome and three basilica-form naves, a tower with three bells, and a parish house with a courtyard beside it. The interior holds paintings, stained glass, and mosaics.
The structure was built between 1915 and 1916, with its consecration performed by Bishop Raymond Netzhammer in the final year of construction. It reflects the architectural influence that Italy exercised over Bucharest during this period of urban expansion.
The church is the seat of the Romanian Catholic parish of the Most Holy Redeemer and holds services in Romanian, Polish and Italian. Its first parish priest was Father Antonio Mantica, followed by Clemente Gatti, Francesco Molinari and others. Blessed Anton Durcovici also served here as a priest.
The church stands at 28 Nicolae Bălcescu Boulevard, hemmed in by apartment blocks, so it is easy to pass without noticing the red brick facade. Mass is celebrated in Romanian, Polish and Italian; check the parish's current schedule before setting out, since times differ between weekdays and Sundays.
The church remains under Italian government ownership, making it an unusual case of state-controlled religious property in Romania. This arrangement reflects historical diplomatic ties and stands as a physical reminder of Italy's cultural reach in Eastern Europe.
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