Beyond Borders: The Fortified Churches and Painted Monasteries of Romania

In the mediaeval period, Romanian lands were among the more remote areas of Eastern Europe. Here, in Transylvania and Moldavia, highly distinctive styles of architecture developed and flourished.

The lecture illustrates the fine Gothic churches that the mediaeval Saxon settlers built in their Transylvanian towns and villages. These churches are situated in impressive Baroque towns, such as Brasov and Sighisoara, and behind formidable, but picturesque fortifications in Saxon villages, such as Biertan.

Then the lecture depicts the 'Painted Monasteries' of Moldavia, rightly famous for the frescoes that stem from the Orthodox Byzantine tradition of ecclesiastical art, as well as for the lovely architectural ensembles of the monastery buildings themselves.

These frescoes - the Last Judgement, the Life of Mary, rank upon rank of Saints in the Heavenly Host, and so on - cover the exterior walls of the monastery churches and still maintain their wonderfully vivid colours and details.

All this is set in the context of Romania's landscape and history by way of introduction.

Recommended Reading:

• Alan Ogden - Fortresses of Faith: A Pictorial History of the Fortified Saxon Churches of Romania
• Alan Ogden - Revelations of Byzantium: The Monasteries and Painted Churches of Northern Moldavia

Tours:

John regularly leads tours to Romania .

He has led historical and cultural tours to Romania, including the fortified Saxon churches and cities of Transylvania, and the painted churches of Moldavia for groups from The Arts Society and private parties. .

He and his wife, Karen, also take smaller groups to Romania . For further information about Ramona Cuzacu, who arranges and leads these tailor-made walking, winetasting and sightseeing tours for small groups in rural Romania, see Ramona's website: www.myromania.com.ro or contact John.

Historical and cultural tours Romania, include the wooden churches of Maramures, the fortified Saxon churches and cities of Transylvania and the painted churches of Moldavia, the most recent in June 2026. Details and bookings from Ciceroni Travel on 01869 811167 and www.ciceroni.co.uk.