White Church, Bucharest

The White Church is a Romanian Orthodox church located at 110 Calea Victoriei in Bucharest, Romania. It is dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The origins of the church are uncertain, but it probably existed in the late 17th century. It appears to have been founded on an estate of the Văcărescu family. The formal dedication likely occurred around 1700, with one theory suggesting a Văcărescu widow in the role of ktetorissa, while Jupâneasa Vișa and the priest Neagu Dârvaș are seen as likelier candidates. At any rate, the surrounding district and the church itself were nicknamed after the latter two between 1739 and 1835, while the present name became established around 1800. A wooden icon of Saint Nicholas dating to 1701–1702 confirms the church’s existence at that point. A funeral stone fragment from 1715–1716 is situated in the altar table.