About All Saints Roman Catholic Church (Parohia Romano-Catolică ”Toți Sfinții”) in Craiova, Romania:
All Saints Roman Catholic Church, known locally as Parohia Romano-Catolică ”Toți Sfinții” or sometimes as the Church of St. Anthony (Biserica Sfântul Anton), is a historic Catholic place of worship in the heart of Craiova, Romania. It serves as the central hub for the city’s small but active Roman Catholic community, which is part of the Archdiocese of Bucharest.
Dedicated to All Saints (with a secondary feast day for St. Anthony of Padua), the church exemplifies 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture and reflects the multicultural history of Oltenia, where Catholic influences arrived through Habsburg ties and missionary work.
The parish was established by Bishop Iosif Molajoni of the Diocese of Romania in 1857. Priest Ludovic Bodor, with episcopal support, purchased land for 300 gold coins from a local landowner. Initially, a rented house served as a chapel. In 1841, funds from Rome enabled the purchase of a plot from
Smaranda Priseceancă. Construction of the current church began soon after, and it was consecrated in 1844 by the Bishop of Bucharest, receiving its dedication to All Saints.
Under priest Eduard Struzina (from 1884), the English Ladies (Congregation of Mary Ward) arrived, founding a girls’ school that evolved into a boarding and elementary institution. A shelter for poor women was established by priest Andrei Kuczka. The church endured communist-era restrictions but saw property recoveries in the 1990s, including the site of a Catholic school now hosting the “Saint Joseph” Theological Medical School (a nursing program).
Renovations in 1998–1999 restored the interior paintings, statues, and parish house. In 1991–1994, German and Italian governments funded a kindergarten named after St. Anthony in the courtyard. As of October 2024, Father Marius Martin was installed as the new parish priest during a solemn liturgy. The parish remains vibrant, hosting events like First Holy Communions (e.g., June 2024 for local children).
The church’s story intertwines with Craiova’s broader Catholic heritage, which traces back to 18th-century Habsburg administration in the region, fostering a mix of Romanian, Hungarian, and German Catholic communities.Architecture and FeaturesThe church is a modest yet elegant neoclassical structure, typical of 19th-century Romanian Catholic builds, with a single nave, barrel vaulting, and a compact facade featuring pilasters and a triangular pediment. The interior boasts restored frescoes, ornate altarpieces, and statues of All Saints and St. Anthony.
Its bell tower and adjacent parish house add to the ensemble’s charm. While not as grandiose as Craiova’s Orthodox landmarks like the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius, it stands out for its intimate, community-focused design in the city’s central historic district.Location and Practical Information
This church is more than a liturgical space—it’s a cultural anchor for Craiova’s Catholic minority (about 1–2% of the population) and a testament to religious resilience in the post-communist era.
Traveling to All Saints Roman Catholic Church (Parohia Romano-Catolică ”Toți Sfinții”in Craiova, Romania:
Note: Romania’s Catholic sites are less touristy than Orthodox ones, so expect a welcoming, low-key experience.
The church is a short walk from Craiova’s main train station and bus hub.
Address: Strada Mihai Viteazu nr. 10, 200417 Craiova,
Phone: +40 251 414 715