Orthodox Cathedral of Orăștie

The Orthodox Cathedral of Orăștie, dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, dominates the town centre on Victory Square. It was built between 1936 and 1943 on the initiative of Archpriest Ioan Moța — a journalist and politician, a fighter for the Great Union — with the support of the “Ardeleana” Bank of Orăștie, the National Bank of Romania, the “Mica” company of Brad, the “Aurel Vlaicu” High School and the 92nd Infantry Regiment.

The building has monumental proportions, on a Greek-cross plan, and combines Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic elements; the architect George Cristinel created a building unique in Romania. Its distinctive feature is the imposing tower with five large bronze bells, attached to the north wall of the narthex. Reinforced concrete and brick were used in its construction.