St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, Silistra
Silistra
St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Silistra is a prominent Bulgarian Revival style church serving as the cathedral of the Dorostol Diocese of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Constructed between 1860 and 1864 on the site of the old St. George church, the cathedral was funded by the temporary Russian administration and local donations. The building is a three-nave basilica featuring two rows of columns and a western vestibule. Its frescoes were painted by Professor Nikola Kozhuharov, while the bell tower, built in 1904, houses bells imported from Russia. The iconostasis crafted in 1890 by the notable Debar master Anton Stanishev is a key artistic feature. The cathedral also holds a marble reliquary containing the right shoulder bone of St. Dasius of Dorostol, a gift from Pope John Paul II in 2001. The church is a cultural monument and an important religious center, reflecting the architectural and spiritual heritage of Silistra.
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Tip: Visitors should consider timing their visit to avoid major religious holidays when the cathedral may be crowded. Purchasing tickets or arranging guided tours in advance is advisable, especially for groups. The cathedral offers a spiritually enriching experience with its historic iconostasis and frescoes. Modest dress is recommended when entering the church. Winter and early spring visits might be quieter and more contemplative.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral was constructed by builders from the Dryanovo architectural school under master Stoyko.
- •The bell tower was built in 1904, with bells purchased from Russia.
- •The iconostasis was made by the renowned Debar master Anton Stanishev in 1890.
- •In 2001, Pope John Paul II gifted the cathedral a marble reliquary containing the relic of St. Dasius of Dorostol.
- •The cathedral is recognized as a cultural monument in Bulgaria.
History
The current St.
Peter and Paul Cathedral was built between 1860 and 1864 on the site of the former St.
George church.
Funding came from the Russian administration during its temporary rule and local contributions.
The bell tower was added in 1904, and the iconostasis was completed in 1890 by Anton Stanishev.
In 2001, the cathedral received a significant relic, the right shoulder bone of St.
Dasius of Dorostol, from Pope John Paul II.
Since 2003, it serves as the cathedral of the restored Dorostol Diocese.
Place Guide
Three-Nave Basilica Architecture1860-1864
The cathedral features a three-nave basilica layout with two rows of columns and a western vestibule, characteristic of Bulgarian Revival architecture.
Frescoes by Professor Nikola KozhuharovLate 19th to early 20th century
The interior frescoes were painted by Professor Nikola Kozhuharov, adding significant artistic value to the cathedral.
Bell Tower1904
Constructed in 1904, the bell tower houses bells imported from Russia, enhancing the cathedral's spiritual ambiance.
Iconostasis by Anton Stanishev1890
The iconostasis, crafted in 1890 by the notable Debar master Anton Stanishev, is a masterpiece of religious woodcarving and icon painting.
Marble Reliquary with St. Dasius's Relic2001
In 2001, a marble reliquary containing the right shoulder bone of St. Dasius of Dorostol was placed before the altar, gifted by Pope John Paul II.
Contact
Phone: 086 822 044
