If you go for a stroll through the historic center of the capital, entering from the Hanul lui Manuc, you will discover an iconic destination for believers and history lovers alike: the Church of St. Anton - Curtea Veche, one of the oldest churches in Bucharest.

Built more than 500 years ago as a monastery for the Catholic Franciscans, the church was the size of a chapel. Taken over by the Greek Catholic Church, St. Anton's Church has survived several devastating earthquakes and fires over the years. 

St. Anton's Church of the Princely Court was built by Mircea Ciobanul and underwent several alterations during the reign of Șerban and Ștefan Cantacuzino (18th century). The building located in the old center of Bucharest, Lipscani, the former Old Courtyard, served for two centuries as the coronation place of the lords of the Romanian Lands. Mihai Viteazul, Matei Basarab, Șerban Cantacuzino, Constantin Brâncoveanu, Nicolae Mavrogheni and Alexandru Ghica were worshipped here.

The church dedicated to the Annunciation and St. Anthony used to have a women's entrance on the left and a men's entrance on the right. 

Since the early 1700s, seven fires and several earthquakes have left the church almost untouched. In 1847, a huge fire engulfed the entire center of Bucharest, from the Palace of the Post Office to St. George's Church, and stopped at its walls.

"In 1847, at Easter, the little child of the little boy of the little landlady Drugănescu, who lived behind St. Dumitru's church, played with matches. And from this play started a fire that devoured four-fifths of the town. It was a disaster," says writer Silvia Colfescu in her books, referring to a photograph from 1847, which reflects the reality of the time. 

The fire also destroyed the prison church, which housed the icon of St. Anthony the Great. Miraculously, the icon was found on a Tuesday among the burnt remains of the altar and moved to the church next to the Old Courtyard. 

St. Anthony's Church - Ritual of the 9 Tuesdays

Dozens of young and old, Romanians and foreigners, cross the threshold of the courtyard of St. Anthony's Church every Tuesday to pray for health, peace and quiet in the family, help with exams or finding a soul mate.

For 9 Tuesdays in a row, the faithful write an acathist to be read by one of the church priests. On the 10th day, the parishioners bring food such as oil, flour or rice to the church, as well as a loaf of bread which is divided among nine people. It is said that after these days, the prayer of the one who has observed the ritual is fulfilled.

St. Anton Church - Architecture 

For the first time in Walla Wallachia, the buttress was used in the construction of the church, with a constructive role, of Moldavian influence. The facade is made of exposed brick in three horizontal rows and two bricks placed vertically on the plastered bands. 

The architecture of the church combines baroque and rococo elements, reflecting the stylistic influences of the period in which it was built. The facade is adorned with detailed carvings and decorative elements that catch the visitor's eye. The interior is equally impressive, with inviting frescoes, colorful stained-glass windows and an atmosphere of worship and contemplation.

St. Anthony's Church - cultural heritage

St. Anton's Church is not only a place of worship but also an important cultural center. Over the years, it has hosted classical music concerts, art exhibitions and other cultural events, attracting the faithful as well as lovers of art and history.

St. Anthony's Church in Bucharest is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the city's rich cultural and historical heritage. With impressive architecture, a rich history and an active role in the community, this architectural gem continues to inspire and attract visitors from all over the world, offering them an authentic and profound experience in the heart of Bucharest.

Photo: Dimi Talen, Wikipedia