In a crowded corner of Bucharest, surrounded by apartment blocks built during the communist period and the daily bustle of the city center, stands an architectural gem with nearly three centuries of history: the Domnița Bălașa Church. At first glance, it may seem like just an elegant place of worship, but in reality, it holds a complex story marked by faith, generosity, and resilience in the face of time.

An Oasis of Peace in the Heart of Bucharest

Located on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, in the former Prundului neighborhood, the church bears the name of the daughter of the martyred ruler Constantin Brâncoveanu and is today the only surviving testimony of the Brâncoveanu family’s foundations in the area.

Unlike other churches in Bucharest, no funeral services have ever been conducted here, which is why it is known as the “church of joy,” dedicated exclusively to weddings, baptisms, and prayers of thanksgiving.

From a Modest Chapel to a Symbol of Charity

The story of the church began in 1743, when Domnița Bălașa decided to build a small chapel on the land she had received as dowry. Although modest in appearance, it quickly became a place of worship for both her family and the local community.

Within just a few years, the chapel was transformed into a parish church and became part of a charitable complex inaugurated in 1750. This included a school and a shelter, an extraordinary gesture of generosity for the time. The institutions not only provided support for those in need but also strengthened the church’s role as a spiritual and cultural hub.

The 1838 Earthquake and the Rebirth of the Church

The first church did not withstand the test of time. The devastating 1838 earthquake left the structure in ruins. Faced with this, another remarkable woman of the Brâncoveanu family, Safta Brâncoveanu, the widow of boyar Grigore Brâncoveanu, decided to rebuild.

Between 1838 and 1842, a larger, more elegant church was erected in neo-Gothic style, in line with the architectural preferences of the period.

Unfortunately, repeated floods from the Dâmbovița River undermined its foundation, making the structure unsafe. Ultimately, in 1881, the building was demolished to make way for a stronger and more imposing construction.

The Current Church: Designed by Renowned Architects

The third and current form of the church was built between 1881 and 1885, during the reign of King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth.

The project was entrusted to some of the most prominent architects of the time: Alexandru Orăscu, Carol Benesch, and Friedrich Hartmann, under the supervision of the famous French architect André Lecomte du Noüy.

The new church was built in neo-Romanian style, enriched with Gothic and Renaissance influences. Its cruciform plan and imposing proportions make it stand out, while its decorative details reveal a refined artistic vision.

The stained-glass windows, specially ordered from Germany, illustrate the coat of arms of the Brâncoveanu family and of Wallachia.

The grand chandelier, crafted in Vienna, remains a striking element of elegance. The furniture, iconostasis, and carved doors were the work of master craftsmen Petre and Mihai Babic, renowned for their artistry.

The Church of the Bucharest Elite

From its consecration, the Domnița Bălașa Church quickly became a favorite venue for weddings and baptisms among Bucharest’s elite.

During the interwar period, the aristocracy and even members of the Romanian Royal Family often celebrated their most important life events here.

This royal connection remains visible today. Near the altar are two thrones once reserved for King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth.

The royal coat of arms and the inscription “Nihil Sine Deo” (“Nothing Without God”), the motto of the Royal House, still decorate the interior, preserving the memory of those glorious times.

The Funerary Monuments Inside

Although no funerals have ever been held in this church, its interior houses two remarkable funerary monuments.

The first is the tomb of Domnița Bălașa, marked by a sculpture entitled “Sorrow”, created by Ion Georgescu. The statue depicts a pensive female figure, a symbol of both grief and hope.

The second is the monument of Zoe Brâncoveanu, wife of Prince Gheorghe Bibescu. Created by French sculptor Jules Roulleau, it shows Zoe embraced by an angel, with a woman and child at her feet, symbolizing suffering and sacrifice.

Originally placed outside, these statues were later moved inside to protect them from the communist regime’s scrutiny, particularly under Nicolae Ceaușescu.

The Statue of Domnița Bălașa, a Symbol of Bucharest

Perhaps the most famous monument associated with the church is the statue of Domnița Bălașa, standing in the courtyard. Sculpted in 1881 by Karl Storck, a German artist who settled in Bucharest in 1849, the work is regarded as one of the city’s most beautiful monuments.

Carved from Carrara marble, the statue depicts the princess in an elegant gown, holding a charter. The pedestal bears the Brâncoveanu coat of arms and an inscription listing the estates donated for the church’s upkeep, as well as the text commemorating its founding in 1751.

The statue is included in Romania’s List of Historical Monuments and remains a cultural landmark of the capital.

Resisting the Test of Time. The Church of Joy

Over the centuries, the Domnița Bălașa Church has endured earthquakes, floods, political upheavals, and even the risk of demolition during the 1980s, when much of the old Brâncoveanu foundation was destroyed to make way for the Civic Center.

Despite these challenges, the church has survived and continues to stand as a spiritual anchor in the heart of the city.

What truly makes this church unique is that, unlike any other in Bucharest, it has never hosted a funeral service. Since its founding, the Domnița Bălașa Church has been dedicated exclusively to life’s celebrations and to hope.

It remains a place where the faithful come to be baptized, to marry, or to pray in thanksgiving—never to say their final goodbyes.

An Invaluable Legacy

Today, the Domnița Bălașa Church is more than just a place of worship. It is a testament to the Brâncoveanu family’s legacy, to their generosity, and to their unwavering faith. Rebuilt three times, each generation of patrons managed to preserve its founding spirit, giving Bucharest a sanctuary of exceptional beauty and profound historical importance.

Having survived earthquakes, floods, and oppressive regimes, the church remains a living symbol of faith and perseverance, as well as one of the city’s architectural jewels.

The Domnița Bălașa Church is not merely a historical monument or a religious site. It is a symbol of hope and joy, a marker of Romanian identity, and a place steeped in memory.

Beyond its ornate walls lies the story of a noble family that shaped the nation’s history and left behind not only a building but also a lesson in faith, resilience, and generosity.

To this day, the church continues to be a sacred place where Bucharesters celebrate their most cherished moments. Known as the “church of joy”, it remains a sanctuary of life and faith—one in which no farewell has ever been spoken.