Saint Peter and Paul Church

Saint Peter and Paul Church—locally known as Biserica Bărboi—is an elegant 19th-century Romanian Orthodox church built between 1841–44 by Chancellor Dimitrie Sturdza on the foundations of an earlier 17th-century Athonite-style church. The building follows a Greek-cross plan with thick stone-and-brick walls, semicircular apses, and a central dome flanked by smaller towers. Its entrance features a large open narthex (pridvor) supported by five arches on Doric-capitalled stone columns—a striking reference to classical design .

Inside, the nave is divided into three aisles by rows of columns—two of marble with Doric capitals at entry and four with Ionic capitals—creating a harmonious blend of classical and Byzantine influences. The church houses a tall carved stone bell tower over the pronaos, frescoed interiors restored in Renaissance style, and a prominent iconostasis—all resting under a shallow-lit Byzantine dome. Architect Andrei Caridi, aided by Greek craftsmen, skillfully merged classical orders into ecclesiastical architecture, producing a graceful yet restrained aesthetic.

Interesting Facts

• Built 1841–1844, replacing a 17th-century church; funded by Dimitrie Sturdza.

• Designed by Andrei Caridi, with Greek master builders Atanasie and Gheorghe.

• Floor plan: Greek-cross with central dome and four subsidiary towers

• Facade: Stone-and-brick alternating bands; classical Doric columns in the narthex

• Interior: Mixture of Doric and Ionic columns; Renaissance-style frescoes, marble iconostasis.

• Heritage status: Listed as historic monument IS-II-m-A-03730; restored after 1977 earthquake under EU-funded program.