Old Court – Saint Anthony Church: The oldest church in Bucharest

• Tourist Information
• Map
• Why is Curtea Veche Church important?
• What architectural style does the church have?
• What is the story behind the name of the church?
• What important events take place here?
• What artifacts or sacred relics are found inside the church?
• Are there any secrets or legends related to this church?

Tourist Information

Map

Why is Curtea Veche Church important?

The Old Court Saint Antony Church in Bucharest has a long history, being built in the 16th century, during the reign of Mircea Ciobanul, in 1559, by the potter Mihai, son of Stroe Leurdeanu. It was originally a wooden church, but it was rebuilt in brick in the 17th century, between 1695 and 1700, by Antonie Văcărescu.

The church was erected on the walls of a former church, which some say was originally erected by Mircea the Elder, who founded the first Royal Court in the Dambovita Citadel (Bucharest in 1398-1401) and others say that it was founded by Vlad Tepeș. The historical sources are not clear and legends intertwine with history.

At the Curtea Veche Church, the rulers were anointed, so inside it, the prayers of Mihai Viteazul, Matei Basarab, Șerban Cantacuzino, Constantin Brâncoveanu and other lords were raised.

What architectural style does the church have?

The architectural style of the church is predominantly Brancovenesc, with influences from Byzantine architecture and the Italian Renaissance. Distinctive elements include the bell tower, open porch, and carved stone details.

What is the story behind the name of the church?

The name of the church, “Curtea Veche” (Old Court), refers to the fact that the Old Royal Court of Bucharest is located near it. Saint Anthony is the patron saint of the church, and his choice as patron is related to his veneration at that time and his importance in Christian spirituality.

Anthony the Great was a Christian monk from Egypt, revered since he died as a saint. He is also known as the Father of All Monks. His feast day is celebrated on 17 January.

What important events take place here?

The church hosts many important religious events throughout the year, such as services, processions, and feasts dedicated to Saint Anthony and other saints.

The fragment from the relics of St. Cuv. Anthony the Great entered the parish heritage in 2017, brought from a community near Grenoble, France. An old tradition brings the faithful to pray here, especially on Tuesdays. Why on Tuesday? Read Here

What artifacts or sacred relics are found inside the church?

Inside the church are old icons and rows of icons on wood, as well as other valuable cult objects.

The great fire also destroyed the church of the prison, which housed the icon of Saint Anthony the Great. Miraculously, the icon was recovered from the burnt remains of the altar and moved to the church near the Old Court. Now, the saint’s icon is considered a miracle worker and gathers dozens of believers every Tuesday.

The church was painted three times. From the first fresco painting, fragments are still preserved in the upper part of the southern wall of the Proscomidiar; the second fresco, from the time of Stefan Cantacuzino, can be found in the niches to the right and left of the entrance to the church, the third painting was in oil, executed by the drawing teacher from the “Sf. Sava”, C. Lecca and is on the border of a correct neoclassical style.

The stone columns with bas-relief are the old entrance gates of the place.

Inside the church is the tomb of the founder of the church, Mircea Ciobanul, who died in 1559.

Are there any secrets or legends related to this church?