The Dome from Timisoara If we get to a very detailed description of this splendid building in the Unification's Square, we would exceed the purpose of this paper; just trying to clarify the discussions concerning the person who created the building s plans. It is believed that the dome was built after the plans of the renown Viennese architect, Josef Emanuel Fischer von Erlach (1693- 1742), the son of not least renown, at that time, Johan Bernhard Fischer von Erlach [11]. In an XVIII century document, "Wienerische Diarium" ("The Viennese Diaries"), it is mentioned about the Dome from Timisoara, and that H. Joh. Jacob Schelblauer - City Consul of Vienna-(Innere - Stadt - Rath in Wien) developed the plan and the architecture which were approved by his superiors having this competence. The residence of the bishop of the Roman Catholic diocese, initially in Cenad, was moved to Szeghedin after being devastated by the Turks. In 1733, the Emperor Carol the VI, moved the residence of the Roman Catholic diocese to Timisoara; Adalbert baron of Falkenstein was the bishop. This was the reason that led to the construction of a cathedral, a palace for the bishop and some houses for the staff. The construction of the Dome began on August 6, 1736. The works lasted a long period of time, a lot of construction workers qualified in different trades being hired, like Kaspar Dissel and Johann Lechner. The Dome construction was accomplished in 1773 under the leadership of the engineers Carl Alexander Steinlein and Johann Theodor Kostka. As far as the Dome is concerned, I would like to mention the main altar, the Viennese sculptors Johann Joseph Rossler (1700-1772) created two statues, of big dimensions, Saint Carol Boromeus on the left and Saint Theresia (on the right), as well as, the pair of cherubim which dominate the ornamentation from the central part of the altar. The painting of the main altar represents Saint George horse riding and fighting the dragon. From the historical data concerning the diocese, I found out that since the XI century Saint George is considered its protective patron, reason for which, Gerhard von Sagredo, the founder and the first bishop (1030-1046), was christened George. Saint George became a symbolic value of victorious wars, after defeating the Turks. The author of this masterpiece, Saint George fighting the dragon, was, the famous painter and director of the Arts Academy from Vienna, Michael Angelo Unterberger (1695-1758); the work being considered a full maturity work (1755), when his talent attained the peaks of the artistic maturity. The source of the other paintings is more or less clarified. It is believed that four out of six were painted by Johann Schopf, born in Prague; in 1735; he studied in Munich, painted in Germany and was member of the Academy (1770); some other of his paintings were found in the church from Furstenfeldbruck, at the Furstenried castle, in the Saint John church at Regensburg. He created several paintings in 1772 for the Dome from Timisoara; in 1776, he painted the fresco of the cathedral dome from Oradea and the other works from the bishopric palace. Other art works in the Dome from Timisoara are the silver chandelier in the main altar (the so called "Eternal Light") built by the Viennese jeweler Josef Moser, the golden monstrance, some cups, the cathedral ceremony silver cross. From the four original bells, only the biggest one, built in 1763 by Joseph Steinstock at Buda in Hungary. The clock from the tower is the work of Joseph Martin Kidl, from Timisoara, 1764; the first organ, in baroc style, was beautifully ornated by the Viennese Paul Hanke in 1757, and replaced at the end of the XIX century by the one built by Leopod Wegenstein from Timisoara. During the wars with the Turks (1788-1790), the Dome served as a warehouse; in 1849, it was greatly damaged and the people found refuge in the tombs where bishops and dignitaries from Banat rest. The last restoration of the Dome, as well of the houses around it, was conducted by Franz Braun, an architect from Timisoara, between 1981-1982; the exterior works were done by the Milthaler brothers from Arad. The building of the bishopric palace resides on the actual Rodnei Street at number 4. The palace has a very old foundation and walls, and a very simple exterior. Three streets surround the building: Prince Eugen, Rodnei and Eminescu. This building was used along the years by the Cenad bishops; in 1780, became permanent bishopric residence; was restored from foundation to the top in 1889 by the bishop Alexander Desseffy; the festivities room was luxurious ornated in September 16, 1891, with the occasion of the imperial military maneuvers from Buzias, when the Emperor Franz Josef I was the guest of honor. I should also mention that the name of the diocese was maintained as the old one of Cenad despite the fact that the residence was in Timisoara; the Timisoara diocese was created only in 1930, the first bishop being Dr. Augustin Pacha. During 1950-1990 there was only one bishop, but on March 3, 1990, Monsignor Sebastian Krauter was ordained bishop on April 28, 1990. Not until long ago the bishop was housed on the Matei Corvin Street at number 2, but after the palace was returned to the diocese the restored building serves its initial purpose.