The Old Court Church (also called the Old Princely Church)
is the oldest church in Bucharest. Its building started in 1558 during the reign of Mircea Ciobanul (Prince Mircea
the Shepherd) and was finished by his son in 1591. The church was built in the Wallachian architectural style of the
16th century. The exterior decoration is made of brick stripes alternating with plaster stripes. The church was
restored after a fire in 1847 and then again between the years of 1928 - 1938 by the Commission of Historical Monuments,
which tried to bring the church to its original appearance. This church was the coronation place of Wallachia's ruling
princes for almost three centuries (from the second half of the 16th century to the first half of the 19th century).
The beautiful carved door was added in the early 18th century by Prince Stefan Cantacuzino. The interior has been
blackened with time but you can still admire the beautiful frescoes, some dating from the 16th century. On the left
side of the portal, facing the apse, are the murals of the church's founders: Mircea Ciobanul (whose tombstone is
within the church) and his wife, Lady Chiajna; on the right side of the portal are the murals depicting Prince
Stefan Cantacuzino and his wife, Lady Pauna. Address: Str. Franceza 33
