St Stephen's Church, Bucharest

This 19th-century church is one of the religious structures saved from demolition during the communist regime.

About this building

The current building dates back to 1898 and was built to replace an older ruined church. Archaeological works also revealed the presence of two old wooden churches from the 16th and 17th centuries. It is also known as “Stork's Nest", as the roof of the church was chosen by these birds to build their nest.

Shortly after its renovation to repair the damage caused by the 1977 earthquake, the church was included in the list of buildings to be demolished as part of the urban redevelopment of Stirbei Voda street. In 1985 it was decided to move the church 20 metres southwest in order to save it from destruction. This was the last religious building relocated by the team of the engineer Eugeniu Iordăchescu, who managed to save a number of historic churches in the centre of Bucharest.

In 1990 the church was consecrated and resumed religious activity.

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments
  • Social heritage
  • Links to national heritage
  • Famous people or stories

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons/Razvan Socol

The Lady's Church

This 17th-century church was built as part of the boyar house of Serban Cantacuzino, prince of Wallachia. It was founded by his wife, Lady Maria. The church has a rectangular nave and thick walls, according to the style of chapels of court princes. It has undergone several major restorations over its history: in the 19th century to repair the damages caused by earthquakes.

It was declared a historic monument in 1915.