Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Orthodox cathedral in Constanța, Romania.
The Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is an Orthodox church in Constanța, built of pressed brick in a neo-Byzantine style with a 35-meter tower. Its oak iconostasis, choir, candelabras and candle stands were designed by Ion Mincu and made in Paris around 1890. The interior frescoes were repainted between 1959 and 1965.
The cornerstone was laid on 4 September 1883, during the tenure of Metropolitan Iosif Gheorghian, on plans by Alexandru Orăscu with Carol Benesch as supervising architect; the church was consecrated on 22 May 1895. It became a cathedral in 1923 with the founding of the Diocese of Constanța. On 3 August 1941 bombing damaged the altar, iconostasis and paintings; after restoration from 1946 to 1951, Patriarch Justinian Marina and Bishop Chesarie Păunescu re-consecrated it on 14 January 1951.
The interior paintings display neo-Byzantine patterns with Romanian color tones, showing religious scenes across the walls. Visitors can see these artworks today and sense the strong visual presence of Orthodox faith in the space.
Daily monastic services take place at the church and visitors can explore the interior. It is recommended to check opening times before visiting and dress appropriately.
The church houses discovered relics of Saints Epictetus and Astion along with a miraculous icon of the Holy Mother that resembles one from another renowned monastery. These religious treasures make the sanctuary a special pilgrimage site for the faithful.
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