The Church of the Assumption Heart of Jesus is a beautiful church located in the city center. Its history dates back to the 1870s when the number of Jesuits in Chernivtsi began to grow. The construction of the cathedral was prompted by the increasing number of followers, and it was consecrated in 1891.
Throughout its history, the cathedral has faced various challenges. It continued to serve as a place of worship even during the Romanian and Soviet periods. During World War II, the priests of the cathedral saved Jews by helping them change their religious affiliation. However, after the Soviet power returned in 1944, the cathedral's religious function was discontinued and it was used as the Oblast Archive Office for nearly 50 years.
In 1996, there was an initiative to return the cathedral to the Jesuit followers, and in 2010 it was finally returned to the community. Currently, the cathedral is undergoing renovation, which is estimated to cost at least €4 million and will take a significant amount of time to complete.
Although I wasn't able to go inside the church, the view of the exterior was breathtaking. The architecture is in the gothic style, which is a departure from the Eastern Orthodox style commonly found in the area. Despite not being Catholic, I found the building to be a magnificent example of western culture.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to go inside the church, which is a rare occurrence. The atmosphere inside was eerie due to its neglected state, but it added to the overall charm of the place. Despite its current condition, the church holds a special place in the hearts of the local community and efforts are being made to restore it to its former glory.
25.05.21
Ankush
It's is beautiful church in city, however I didn't went inside, but the view of church is so beautiful,The beginning of this Cathedral's history dates back to 1870s when the number of Jesuits in Chernivtsi started gaining mom.. Read more »entum. In 1875 Zygmunt Szczęsny Feliński, the Arbishop, officially referred to the Jesuit Community asking to promote Jesuit Fathers in the city.
In 1885 Father Symon Tychowsky was appointed as the main Jesuit priest in Bukovyna. First, worships were conducted in a chapel, however, as the number of followers was growing, the need for the dedicated cathedral became urgent.
After the municipality granted the land plot relevant for the construction project, Prof. Josef Leitzner from Chernivtsi High Industrial School developed the design. Initially the required amount was estimated as 160 thousand crowns but the final sum, including the purchasing and installing of sculptures, bells, big organ and the priest's residence built on the rear side totalled 208 thousand crowns.
The completed Cathedral was consecrated on June 7, 1891. On June 21, 1895 the structure was given its Jesus Heart name.
When Bukovyna became Romanian after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Cathedral continued its service and even managed doing that after the area became part of Soviet Ukraine in 1940-1941. During the World War II its priests saved a number of Jews who had to formally change their creed to avoid deportation to Ghetto by Nazis.
After the Soviet power returned in 1944, the Cathedral continued to function as a Jesuit sanctuary for one year. In 1945, for unclear reasons it was given to the orthodox community but one year later its religious function discontinued at all. For nearly half a century it was used as the Oblast Archive Office. In 1996 the local community initiated its return to the Jesuit followers and in 2010 it was finally returned to the community. Currently the Cathedral is in the process of renovation the cost of which is estimated as a minimum of €4 million and will thus last for a significant period of time.
02.05.21
Ankush
It's is beautiful church in city, however I didn't went inside, but the view of church is so beautiful
22.03.21
Mariya
Beautiful church in the city center. However, the gates were closed, so couldn’t check out how it is on the inside.
05.02.20
Krishan
Wonderful place
24.10.19
bb
Save it! It is beautiful!!!
19.09.18
Michael
The only church building in the city probably in the gothic style. I was pleasantly surprised to see it as I’m not a big fan of Eastern Orthodox architecture. This is good example of western culture.
26.04.18
Anna
Magnificent place, I am not catholic, but the building is beautiful
18.08.16
Denis
The church is still under reconstruction. Fortunately, the worker let us go inside, although it is rarely available for visiting. Eerie atmosphere of neglected church, which is pretty cool!
4.4 / 49
