The Patriarchal Cathedral of Bucharest (Catedrala Patriarhală din București) is a Romanian Orthodox cathedral on Metropolitanate Hill in central Bucharest.
The Patriarchal Cathedral was commissioned by Prince Constantin Șerban and his wife Bălaşa and its construction took place between 1654 and 1658. The consecration took place in 1658, under the reign of Mihnea III. The church is dedicated to the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helena. In 1665 the church received the status of metropolitan cathedral and in 1925 it became a patriarchal cathedral.
Over time, the church has been restored and modified several times so the edifice no longer retains its original shape and appearance. The original frescoes have also disappeared over time, with the exception of the icon of the Saints Constantine and Helena. The other frescoes were painted by Dimitrie Belizarie in 1923.
The Patriarchal Cathedral is nevertheless a beautiful architectural masterpiece with a Brâncovenesc style appearance on the outside and rich decorations on the inside. Inside the church, the relics of Saint Dimitrie Basarbov are kept.
The Patriarchal Cathedral is part of the ensamble of historic buildings on Metropolitanate Hill, which also include the Palace of the Patriarchate, the Patriarchal Residence and Chapel, and the Bell Tower.
