Thousands of pilgrims filled Romania’s capital as the country consecrated the interior of the People’s Salvation Cathedral, the world’s largest Orthodox Christian church — a project 15 years in the making.
Also known as the National Cathedral, the monumental structure stands over 125 meters (410 feet) tall and can accommodate 5,000 worshippers. Its vast interior is adorned with frescoes and mosaics covering more than 17,800 square meters (191,000 square feet), depicting saints and biblical scenes, according to the cathedral’s official website.
Construction of the cathedral began in 2010, with the altar consecrated in 2018. The project has cost an estimated €270 million ($313 million), largely financed through public funds, though some work remains unfinished.
Romania, where around 85% of citizens identify as Orthodox Christian, is one of the most religious countries in the European Union.
Sunday’s consecration ceremony drew large crowds, including President Nicușor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan, while many others followed the event on screens set up outside the cathedral.
However, the project has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the vast sums spent on the cathedral — amid one of the EU’s highest budget deficits — could have been better directed toward improving public services such as education and healthcare.
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