The history of Craiova is intertwined with the history of the church “Saint Demetrius”, considered the oldest religious building in the town. This is the reason why the church has enjoyed appreciation from the godly and the pious boyars, who have often contributed to its restoration. The archaeological evidence brought to light after the restoration work of 1888, led some historians to claim that this religious institution belongs to the eighth-eleventh centuries. Other opinions place its existence in the time of the brothers Peter and Asan (late 12th century), John of the Cumanians (first half of the thirteenth century), or Mircea cel Bătrân (1386-1418). It was founded, it seems, by Barbu Craiovescu (at the end of the fifteenth century), probably on the ruins of an older settlement; the first documentary attestation dates from 1645, being mentioned as “The Royal Church of Craiova”. In other documents it appears as “Baneasa”. It was rebuilt from scratch in 1651, by Matei Basarab; later, repaired by the former great gunman Petru Obedeanu in 1690, by his son, the stout Constantin Obedeanu, in 1724, when it is also repainted, the painting being executed by Theodosius, Andrei and others. From 1765 it becomes subordinate to the Bishop of Ramnic. The church was badly damaged by the 1838 earthquake. It was closed in 1849 and remains in ruins until 1889. It was rebuilt with the support of King Carol I and Queen Elizabeth, under the supervision of the French architect Emile Lecomte de Noüy, between 1889-1893 (when it was re-consecrated). Between 1906-1933 it was renovated and painted by the French artists Menipot and Bories. Restoration work was carried out after this date too. The Cathedral “Saint Demetrius” houses the relics of Saint Hieronymus Nifon, Patriarch of Constantinople, of Saints Serghie and Vah and of Saint Tatiana. In the opinion of N. Iorga, besides this church, the oldest school in Oltenia (clerical) operated. In 1939, it became a metropolitan cathedral. The last restoration and consolidation work was carried out between 2006-2007.