The mother church of the Romanian Orthodox Church, built in 1656-1658 by Prince Constantin Șerban on the small hill of Dealul Mitropoliei. The complex includes the cathedral, the Patriarchal Palace, a bell tower from 1698, and the former parliament building. Surrounded by gardens and trees, it feels like a tiny monastic village dropped into the middle of the city.
The frescoes inside have been heavily repainted but the iconostasis is original and remarkable. From the terrace in front of the cathedral the view of the Old Centre to the north and the Palace of the Parliament to the west is one of the few real panoramas you can get of Bucharest. Modest dress required; the cathedral is open for services every morning and afternoon.