Serbian Orthodox Cathedral

The Serbian Orthodox cathedral is actually called “Ascension of Christ´s Cathedral”. The saying suits her: A beautiful back can also delight. Although the back of the Serbian Orthodox cathedral faces Cathedral Square with its main entrance being from the parallel street (str. Ungureanu), the view from Cathedral Square between the Serbian Orthodox bishop’s palace and the Municipal House, has a certain attractiveness.

This church was used by all Orthodox believers until 1864, and thereafter only by Serbian Orthodox residents, as the Romanian Orthodox Christians eventually got their own churches.

The church, which originally stood on this site, fell victim to a fire around 1728. After the demolition of a remaining portion of the original Turkish fortress wall, larger and more magnificent buildings were able to be built. The towers of today’s church, built in the middle of the 18th century in Baroque style, were initially just as low as those of the Catholic cathedral. The pointed towers, which were later added, now form a striking part of the silhouette of the square.

On the church’s left side is the Episcopal Palace. Originally built in Baroque style, the façade was redesigned in Neo-Byzantine style by city architect László Székely at the beginning of the 20th century.

The holidays of the Serbian Orthodox faith are celebrated according to the old Julian calendar, with the highlight being the Christmas celebration on January 6th where a young oak tree is set ablaze in front of the cathedral and straw is spread on the floor of the church.

The towers of the Orthodox cathedral, although only visible from behind, form a striking part of the silhouette of the Cathedral Square. The “skyline” of Cathedral Square shows Timisoara’s traditional multi-denominationalism and religious tolerance.