Zlătari Monastery

Zlătari Monastery, officially known as the Zlătari Church (Biserica Zlătari), is a historic Romanian Orthodox church situated at 12 Calea Victoriei in Bucharest's Lipscani district. The church is dedicated to the Nativity of Mary. Historical accounts suggest the first structure on the site, likely wooden, was built in the mid-17th century, with a legend attributing its founding to local gold and silversmiths (zlătari). A significant rebuilding took place in 1705 under Spătar Mihail Cantacuzino, who endowed the monastery generously, making it one of the wealthiest in the region throughout the 18th century.

History and Restoration

The monastery has endured considerable damage and undergone numerous reconstructions. Severe earthquakes in 1802 and 1838 necessitated a major rebuilding effort that commenced in 1850, with Xavier Villacrosse reportedly serving as the architect. During this period, the interior was adorned with biblical scenes painted by Gheorghe Tattarescu between 1853 and 1856. The church also features an ornate iconostasis carved from wood and gilded, along with silvered icons. It transitioned to a parish church in 1888. Subsequent repairs and restorations occurred in the early 20th century, with further structural interventions in the 1970s to repair domes damaged in a 1940 tremor. The surrounding inn and bell tower were demolished in 1903 to widen the street.

Architectural and Artistic Features

The Zlătari Church is a single-nave structure measuring 23.5 meters in length and 12 meters in width, culminating in an altar apse. It is characterized by a central dome and four smaller octagonal domes at the nave corners. Light illuminates the interior through stained glass windows depicting various saints. The exterior is decorated with red bricks, and the portico is supported by stone columns and features arches. A notable relic housed within the church is the right arm of Saint Cyprian the Magician, kept in a reliquary before the altar.