The tower, located in the cemetery on Călugăreni street, is the only intact part of an old church built in 1640, dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The church served the Orthodox community until 1865.
The church was built between the years 1640-1645, when the Orthodox community was allowed to build a wall, on the condition that each Romanian believer contributes financially and with two days of work for the reformed parish.
Archival documents show that the construction of the Orthodox church was allowed with certain conditions, such as the payment of tithes to the Calvinist pastor and restrictions on the height of the steeple and the use of bells.
In order to comply with the imposed conditions, the church was built on a hill, so that although the belfry did not exceed the height of the Calvinist one, the topographical positioning meant that the Orthodox church was located above the Calvinist one.
Around 1650, the church was damaged by a fire. Although it was temporarily repaired, its condition deteriorated, and at the beginning of the 18th century a complete renovation was needed, financed by the ban Gheorghe Cantacuzino.
A note from 1721, deciphered by the historian Nicolae Iorga, confirms the fact that Gheorghe Cantacuzino donated funds for the restoration of the church in Deva. The renovation work was completed in 1727 and the church was extended to the west, joining the current bell tower.
The iconostasis of the church was painted in Brancoven style by Ioan Zugravul from Deva, but only two icons have survived to this day: "Saint Michael the Archangel" and "Saint Nicholas the Hierarch".
The church served the Orthodox community until 1865, when it was demolished and the stone was used to build the current cathedral. The church tower was renovated in 1945 and was included in the list of historical monuments in Romania.
There was a stone inscription in Cyrillic letters on the facade of the tower, but this was removed during repairs in 1970-1971. Although this inscription no longer exists, its text was deciphered by the priests Laurentiu Curea and Alexandru Petreu, Dr. Virgil Olariu and the historian Silviu Dragomir: "With the help of the Father and with the exhortation of the Son and with the accomplishment of the Holy Spirit, this tower was established in the days His Highness Emperor Carol and being the Archbishop of Transylvania His Majesty Lord Vlădica Ioan and being Archpriest Ghiorghe Cioca Hinedorean and they buried themselves at the expense of the deceased Todor Grosa, being buried in the holy baptistery, and they left his host Giupâneasa Făbian Jujana, with the son of His Holiness Ion Grosa and they renounced the alms of You and all Your people.
Spent 406 florins Austrian currency and being next to Dumneaei, Giupân Sabău Mihai and Giupân Dragoş. The priests were: Pope Istoc, Pope Iosif, Pope Giorgie. I wrote to Todor, mason, carpenter 1727 May 20. He who will spoil may be cursed by Christ!"
The place of worship is mentioned in several historical documents and appears on the Josephine map of Transylvania, being the third oldest building in Deva, after the Cetate and Magna Curia Castle.
Sursa: www.devacity.ro
