Catholic Episcopal Cathedral “Saint Virgin Mary, Queen”

The Episcopal Cathedral “Saint Virgin Mary, Queen” is the largest Roman Catholic church in Iași. It is marked by its circular shape, similar to a crown invoking the royalty of Christ and Mary. Inside, the 12-stars carpet leads to the central representation of the Virgin, from which a mosaic introduces the History of Salvation through the Passions of Christ. The stained-glass windows feature the themes of Genesis, the seven sacraments, the mysteries of the rosary and the cosmos. The ensemble’s square, in the shape of a fish, also includes the Episcopal Palace, with the “Anton Durcovici” underground memorial and the Old Cathedral, built in 1789 in Baroque style. This old church is decorated inside with the 1869 paintings of the Franciscan monk Giusseppe Carta, and features a sundial on the southern façade. (PHOTO : Tudor GHIOC)