The Sf Nicolae Nou Church in Focsani (translated as St Nicholas the New) is one of the oldest in the city, and according to several historians and Orthodox Church officials it might be the oldest church still in use in the region. A beautiful historical monument, in the past it was a part of the Ramnicului Monastery, a major cultural and spiritual center in the province, which played a key-role in the spread and resistence of Orthodox faith.
It is not known when the church was actually founded. Some say that it was finished in 1732, while some older documents, dating from 1696 and recently rediscovered, already mention the Sf Nicolae Nou church in the town. At the same time, the refference must be to another place of worship, maybe even older, which beared the same name and, most likely, was built in roughly the same area. No matter what the exact date might be, this is surely one of the oldest, most interesting and beautiful churches around. Yet it's history didn't lack tragic moments, such as the times of the Austrian-Turkish war, when this holy place of worship was burned down by the Turkish forces, the walls, paintings, decorations and holy items being more or less damaged. Or even completely destroyed. It wasn't attacked for it's religious symbolism, but for it's strategic position and defense force, for it was from the beginning a large structure, with defensive sturdy walls and strong gates.
It was eventually rebuilt and restored, in no small part due to the efforts of the believers and it would continue to be in use well into the 20th century, when it was recognised as a landmark and even a symbol of the city, being a special place for all. It was also one of the most beautiful old churches in the region, the restored paintings keeping that same sacred feeling, with a certain naïve style, at the same time obeying all of the complicated and ancient rules of Orthodox church paintings.
Yet, by the 1960's, the church was once again falling down and expensive and ample restoration works began, as the place was interesting not only for it's age and religious significance, but also for it's art. And so in the 80s it was already an aknowledged historical monument and it was thus spared from being demolished. And the wonders of sacred paintings in the church can still be admired today. At the middle of the 80s the church was also used as a storing space for old religious books, a small library even, and so countless masterpieces were safe from harm. It began to hold services once again after 1990 and soon it was one of the most popular churches in the city.
The Sf Nicolae Nou Church in Focsani is also very interesting from an architectural point of view, as it is a massive structure, yet it gains some "lightness" due to it's tall bell-tower. Right near the historical centre of the city, worth a visit anytime.
