Evangelical Lutheran Church of Craiova (Biserica Evanghelică Luterană) is a Protestant church in central Craiova, built around 1870-1872 for the city’s Lutheran community. Designed in the Neo-Renaissance style by the architect Lindhorst, the building has a symmetrical façade, arched entrance, and small open bell tower above the roofline.
The church’s origins lie in the Protestant community that developed in Craiova during the 18th and early 19th centuries, as merchants, craftsmen, and other residents from different parts of Europe settled in the city. By 1839, the community numbered approximately 250 people and was seeking permission to establish a permanent place of worship. The clergyman Sükei petitioned Prince Alexandru Dimitrie Ghica, who approved the construction of a chapel on the condition that the congregation would not attempt to convert Orthodox Christians. Protestant religious services had already been held in Craiova before this authorization, although the location of the earlier place of worship is uncertain.
In 1861, the congregation came under the protection of the Prussian religious authorities, which supported the development of its religious and educational institutions. The construction of the present church followed during the next decade, providing the community with a permanent place of worship. In 1881, a confessional school opened behind the church, where the pastor and three teachers provided education for 131 pupils. A kindergarten and library later complemented the school, particularly serving Craiova’s German-speaking Protestant population. These educational activities ended during the communist period.
