1400AD-Present-Modern Era Europe Romania Churches, Cathedrals, Basilicas, Monasteries

Coronation Cathedral, the royal symbol of Romania

Coronation Cathedral_Alba_Carolina_Romania
Coronation Cathedral
The Coronation Cathedral in Alba Iulia stands as a remarkable symbol of Romania's rich history, culture, and architectural heritage. Its presence serves as a reminder of the country's journey towards national unity and independence, and the crucial role the Cathedral played in shaping Romania's identity.

Tourist Information

TypeReligious, Church
Construction Year1922
Visiting HoursDaily: 6.30–20.00
Sunday and Holidays: 7.30–20.00
Ticket PriceFree
LocationAlba Iulia, Romania, Europe

Map

Why is the Coronation Cathedral in Alba Iulia important?

The Coronation Cathedral, also known as the Reunification Cathedral, in Alba Iulia, Romania, holds significant historical and cultural importance.

Alba Carolina Fortress is of great beauty, being newly renovated.

It was here that the Union of Transylvania with Romania was proclaimed on December 1, 1918, marking a pivotal moment in Romanian history.

The Coronation Cathedral was built and named after the coronation of King Ferdinand I and Queen Mary on October 15, 1922.

The plan of the Cathedral is inspired by that of the Royal Church from Târgovişte and has the shape of an inscribed Greek cross.

Inside the Alba Carolina fortress, you will find green gardens full of flowers, restaurants and terraces, museums, archeological parks, and the two cathedrals dominating the fortress’s western part the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and the Coronation Cathedral.

Coronation_Cathedral_Alba_Carolina_Romania

The fortress is impressive and worth spending 3 days visiting it relaxed and reaches all the interesting sights inside.

The best way to visit the Coronation Cathedral

To admire the grandeur and beauty of this cathedral, it is best to enter the Citadel by stepping on the Union Bridge.

The Coronation Cathedral, Alba Carolina, Romania
Union Bridge and Coronation Cathedral

After crossing the bridge, which is also of special beauty and I recommend you to stop along it and admire everything around you, you are in front of the gate of the Coronation Cathedral.

Above the gate, the bell tower is 58 meters high. To the right and left of the gate are the busts of the royal couple who were crowned here, King Ferdinand and Queen Mary.

The Coronation Cathedral, Alba Carolina, Romania
Coronation Cathedral

After passing through the iron gate, the beautiful and imposing church surrounded by gardens will be revealed to you.

Coronation_Cathedral_Alba_Carolina_Romania

The rectangular ensemble surrounding the Cathedral consists of pavilions and galleries.

Coronation_Cathedral_Alba_Carolina_Romania

Inside the porch are the icons of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the icons of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and the biblical kings David and Solomon but also four marble plaques with commemorative inscriptions of important events: the printing of the New Testament in Romanian for the first time. From 1600 carried out by Mihai Viteazul, the martyrdom of Horea, Cloşca, and Crişan, from 1785, and the restoration of the spiritual and ecclesiastical unity of the Romanians in 1948.

The iconostasis is made of oak. The patron saint of the Cathedral is the “Holy Trinity” and “St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel ”.

About the author

Catalina

I am Catalina, and my passion for travel, mysteries, legends and archaeology drives me to explore the world and uncover its hidden wonders.