Left and right of the entrance to the Biserica de la Coroana is
plaque in Romanian language (on the left) and English (on the right)
saying:
"Coroana"
Orthodox Church
XIII-th Century
(1270 - 1280)
The Oldest
Monument
In Bistrita
Biserica de la Coroana
"The 'Biserica de la Coroana' (Crown Church) is the oldest historical
monument in Bistrita (13th century). It was built around 1270-1280, in early
Gothic style, undergoing over time several repairs and transformations, the
first of which was recorded in 1494. Between 1518 and 1520, under the
direction of Master Sigismund, the monument was altered in late Gothic
style, and later underwent additions in Baroque style. After 1541, when the
Minorites left the town, the building served for a time as a barn and wine
cellar.
In 1543, Bistrita ceased to be a Roman Catholic parish, the Saxons switching
to the Lutheran religion. In 1724 the Roman Catholic religion reappeared in
Bistrita and the church was rebuilt. In 1895 the Greek Catholic community of
Bistrita took over the church for 35,000 florins. If in the 18th century the
interior of the monument was adapted to the Gothic style, after 1895 it was
adapted for Orthodox worship. After 1948 it became an Orthodox parish
church. The conversion was completed in 1988, when the walls of the church
were covered with mural painting (fresco) in neo-Byzantine style. On 24
October 1948, the 'Solemn Proclamation of the Church Unification of the
Transylvanian Romanians' took place in this place of worship. The church is
also known as the 'Crown' because in the past it was owned by the 'Habsburg
crown' as a military church, according to the website of the Orthodox
Deanery of Bistrita."
Translated from source:
timponline.ro/live-video-biserica-de-la-coroana-resfintita-cu-ocazia-hramului/