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Cathedral of Saint Demetrius’ entrance alter. Photo by K. Mitch Hodge-

Top 10 Facts about Cathedral of Saint Demetrius

The Cathedral of Saint Demetrius (Romanian: Catedrala Sfântului Dumitru) is the see of the Metropolis of Oltenia in Romania. It is located in Craiova, Romania, in the historic region of Oltenia, at 14 Matei Basarab Street.

By the 1490s, there was most likely a church on the site, which was renovated in 1651 and demolished in 1889 after falling into disrepair. Work on a new church began that year, and it was completed and sanctified in 1933.

The earlier church’s proximity to the Ban of Craiova’s headquarters gave it significance in the city’s political life, as well as a defensive purpose, whereas the modern building’s role guarantees its ongoing importance.

1. Cathedral of Saint Demetrius brief history

Vsevolod III built the Cathedral of St. Dmitrii in Vladimir, Russia, in 1193-7. It was one of several large churches he had built, including the much larger Cathedral of Dormition, built in 1158-60 in Vladimir, Russia.

The cathedral was named after St. Dmitrii of Salonika (St. Demetrios of Thesseloinka in Greek). The Cathedral of St. Dmitrii was placed right next to Vsevolod’s palace and was intended for his personal use.

The palace no longer exists, and the church has been renovated numerous times since its construction, but it has retained its major elements and iconographic plan.

The most extensive renovation occurred in 1832, when some attached structures that connected it to the palace were removed. Some of the exterior blocks were moved at the time, and others were replaced with newly carved blocks.

2. Things to be aware of when going to the Cathedral

The exterior stone carvings are the highlight of the church’s visit. You can see them from the street, but it’s probably best to hire a local guide who can explain their significance and point out specific images of interest.

The church is now a museum that hosts a variety of public events. Monday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A group tour can be booked online.

3. How the exterior design looks like

The cathedral is made of bricks and local white limestone blocks. It has a cubic shape, like many earlier churches in Bogolyubovo, particularly the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (1165).

On the inside, four columns support the drum and cupola. The exterior walls are divided into three bays, with the middle bay being larger than the others. At the top of each bay is a zakomara.

A horizontal arcade frieze separates them at mid-level. An apse on one side of the cathedral is also divided into three sections. The windows and doors are deeply recessed and intricately carved.

4. How the interior design looks like

Cathedral of Saint Demetrius’ entrance alter. Photo by K. Mitch Hodge-

While a few carvings remain, the most important original feature of the interior are a few frescoes above and around the west entrance that have survived since the late 12th century. The work’s results vary.

The finest work in the faces of saints and angels in the Last Judgement scene is most likely the work of Byzantine masters, with Russian pupils completing less important details like curtains and background.

The better parts’ lines and shading are comparable to the best work in Greece and Byzantium. At the time the frescoes were painted, the icon of the Virgin of Vladimir was also known to be in the nearby Cathedral of Dormition, so it was most likely a source of inspiration and training.

5. Alexander the great and other legends on the walls of the cathedral

This 12th-century church is adorned with over 1,500 images of people, animals, and plants. The combination of biblical and pagan statues creates a zoo of mythical and real creatures meant to represent power.

Though the palace has long since been demolished, the church still stands. And, as impressive as its age is, it is the building’s exterior that truly makes it a sight to behold.

The white stone facade is covered in humans and beasts. The prophet David appears three times, each time surrounded by ferocious lions. Mighty eagles, griffins, and leopards coexist with peaceful creatures like does and doves.

There is also a scene depicting Alexander the Great’s ascension and a composition thought to portray Vsevolod himself.

6. Does the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius still an open church?

Cathedral of Saint Demetrius’ beautiful windows, full of colour. Photo by K. Mitch Hodge-

Unfortunately for the church, time has not been kind to the structure or its magnificent carvings. It was renovated in the 1830s, when parts of the structure were demolished.

Some of the old stones were decided to move around and replaced with new blocks during this somewhat mishandled reconstruction. The limestone has also been harmed by pollution from the urban environment.

The Cathedral of Saint Demetrius is no longer a functioning church. Instead, it serves as a mini-museum. More than just passers-by have been influenced by the structure.

This wonderful, historic work of architecture is thought to have inspired the designers of Moscow’s House with Animals.

7. This is the most favourable Cathedral in Russia

This beautiful monument of ancient Russian architecture has been described as noble, elegant, and regal, to name a few epithets.

The names of the contractors of this marvellous church have not been retained in history, but we do know the approximate date of its construction – the years 1194-1197, which correspond to the rule of Vsevolod the Big Nest, as well as the name of the holy warrior Demetrius of Thessalonica, in whose honour and the church was consecrated.

St. Demetrius Cathedral is one of old Russia’s most beautiful and unique cathedrals.

8. The Cathedral is attractive from any distance

Regardless of its small size, this cathedral makes a big impression. The unique decoration of its walls gives the illusion. They are embellished with sculptural elements and sculpted bas-reliefs. From a distance, the temple appears to be covered in fine lacy cobweb.

9. What do the carvings mean?

Efforts have been made for over a century to decipher the significance of quaint stone patterns. Biblical and pagan symbols can be found among the carving themes that adorn the cathedral.

The figures of the biblical tsar, the psalmist, and the prophet David appear three times in the central zakomars of the facades. Beautiful reliefs of lions in proud, victorious poses surround David, representing royalty and supreme patronage.

Leopards, griffins (winged beasts), and eagles all had the same meaning and are depicted on reliefs. There is also a doe and a dove, which are symbols of humility and meekness.

Pheasants, peacocks, and even geese represent the world of spiritual reality in allegory. Plant décor alternates with rows of strange animals.

10. The first Vladimir governor R.I. Vorontsov was buried inside

Cathedral of Saint Demetrius’ beautiful windows, full of colour. Photo by K. Mitch Hodge-

Today, inside the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, you can see the only gravestone burial: despite the cathedral’s lack of a necropolis, the first Vladimir governor R.I. Vorontsov was buried here in 1783 – out of respect for his services and by his will.

Church services are held in the cathedral only five times a year, including on November 8, the feast day of St. Demetrius of Thessaloniki.