The Phanariot era was the period when Bucharest truly became the capital of Wallachia. The decision to move the administration to the borough lying on the banks of the Dâmbovița River was made in the pre-Phanariot period, in 1659, when Prince Gheorghe Ghica began to restore the town, but the real development took place during the voivodes appointed by the Constantinople power. During this period, when the rulers of the “Romanian Countries” (Wallachia and Moldavia) were enthroned only with the consent of the Turkish Empire, Bucharest underwent a remarkable development, intensely preparing for the transition to the Romanian modernity.
It was the moment when the capital city of Wallachia became a flame of Christendom, the countless churches bearing witness of those times. Some of them are still here for us to admire them, others are long gone.
The last category includes the Văcărești Monastery, the architectural ensemble built in Brancovan style, which, in the 18th century, was described as the largest church compound in South-Eastern Europe. Unfortunately, the Văcărești Monastery was demolished, in 1986, by order of the Ceaușescu family.
We mentioned the Văcărești Monastery because it is the place where the ruler Nicolae Mavrocordat founded a school, reorganizing the secular and church education. It was also the place where one of the most famous libraries in Europe was established, the Văcărești Monastery being endowed with a printing machine. The role of the churches erected in those times was major in the development of the local community.
We set off from “The Big Lane”
The tourists visiting the Phanariot Bucharest will try to see the highlights of some heritage items having survived from that era when Bucharest was in a continuous hustle and bustle, being an important trade hub of Europe.
The tourists will start their journey from the Big Lane, the famous Lipscani Street, where the world of merchants was located.
The inn-type buildings which dominated the area are a clear proof that this was the core hub of the trade. The Gabroveni Inn, which is said to have been built to provide shelter for foreign merchants, is still preserved today.
Bucharest, a flame of Christianity
However, the most vivid evidence of those times are the churches.
And as we started from the Lipscani Street, we shall stop, from the start, at the Kretzulescu (Creţulescu) Church, one of the most beautiful architectural monuments in Bucharest.
The place of worship was built between 1720-1722. It has the shape of a cross, and the construction stands out due to the fact that it observes the characteristics of the Brancovan style: the high tower raised upon the nave, the bell tower above a slightly extended narthex, the porch in the front of the building, with arches in the centre, and narrow windows surrounded by arches. The exterior of the church is made of brick, and the wide belt that surrounds the building are a direct reference to the Brancovan art.
When this church was built, grace to the efforts of Chancellor Iordache Kretzulescu and his wife Safta, the daughter of Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, an inn, also known as Kretzulescu Inn, was built next to it. The building remained standing until 1938, the year when the building was demolished.
The Stavropoleos Church was also erected during the Phanariot period. The very name of this place of worship, which comes from the Greek term “Stauropolis” and which translates as “City of the Cross”, reminds of the significance of Bucharest in the Christian world.
The Stavropoleos Church was built on a strip of land situated in the courtyard of an inn owned by the Archimandrite Ioanichie Stratonikeas. Hence the name under which this place of worship is also known: “The Church of the Greeks’ Inn”.
A true architectural gem, the church delights the soul of all the people who discover it. The four-columned porch greets the travellers who take their time to cross the threshold of this place of worship. The pedestals on which these four columns rest are richly adorned with floral sculptures, reminiscent of the Brancovan period. And the construction’s belt is decorated in the same style, with flowers and leaves.
Despite the fact that the rulers were appointed only with the consent of the Turkish Empire, the Phanariot era brought development to Bucharest, preparing Wallachia for the times that were to begin after 1821.
