Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral, Giurgiu
The Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral, Giurgiu (), located at 12 București Street, Giurgiu, Romania, is the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Bishop of Giurgiu. History Initial status and construction The building was initially a parish church; an 1859 inscription (written in Romanian Cyrillic) indicates that a church bearing the same name was built underground on the site in 1806, as the Ottoman authorities would not allow churches to be built above ground. The present church was built from 1840-52. It has a basilical plan, with spires above the nave and entrance, and is built of burnt brick with lime mortar on a stone foundation. These stones were taken from the walls of Giurgiu citadel; as noted in an 1832 document from General Kiselyov giving his approval. Style and alterations The cathedral is spacious, with Byzantine forms: straight lines and semicircular arches, thick walls, square pillars, large windows and spherical spires. Built in a style characteristic of its time, it underwent significant changes in the first half of the 20th century. The large door at the main entrance was replaced with the smaller one still in use. A new roof was installed, and two wooden spires were replaced with reinforced