To remain open to the public after its grand consecration, Romania’s National Cathedral must meet all safety standards set by the relevant authorities. One of the most essential requirements is ensuring safe evacuation in the event of a fire.
Since the cathedral can accommodate approximately 5,000 people, ensuring their safe evacuation poses a significant challenge. For this reason, a complex system of 27 copper doors with simultaneous opening capability has been designed.
The cathedral’s access system includes both mechanical and electrical components, along with interfaces for integration with other systems, such as the fire protection system and the Building Management System (BMS).
“These doors are controlled, monitored, and commanded via three dedicated control rooms located at level -6.80,” explained engineer Petre Chiuță, patriarchal advisor for church monuments and construction within the Romanian Patriarchate, in an interview with Basilica.ro.
How the Doors Function During a Fire
Each of the 27 entrances is equipped with two door panels that can open either individually or simultaneously.
“In the event of a fire, all doors will open simultaneously to allow smoke ventilation. Emergency control and monitoring of the doors can be integrated with the cathedral’s Building Management System,” said the engineer.
The electrical cables used for powering and controlling the doors are fire-retardant and halogen-free. This ensures they will not emit dense smoke or large quantities of corrosive gases in the event of a fire.
Additional Safety Measures
“Each door has a control panel connected to the main power supply and a backup generator. If the main power fails, the generator will activate and keep the system running,” Chiuță added.
Each door is mounted on six hinges to support its weight of approximately 800 kilograms.
“The acceleration of the door panels—whether during normal manual operation or in emergencies—is monitored and, if necessary, magnetically braked to prevent injuries caused by uncontrolled motion,” said the engineer.
In addition to their practical function, the doors have an aesthetic role. Each door features a sculpted image of a saint, many of whom are of Romanian origin. The central doors depict the Mother of God and the Saviour Jesus Christ.
Construction work at the Romanian People’s Salvation Cathedral is nearing completion. This year, the main dome cross will be installed, along with the finalization of interior systems, exterior stained-glass windows, and completion of the structural framework for the main entrance porticos.
The grand consecration of the National Cathedral is scheduled for October 26, 2025, coinciding with the Centennial of the Romanian Patriarchate.
Photo: Basilica.ro / Archdn. Nicolae Iftimiu
