Wooden Church at Sanpaul, Romania

Originally built in 1722, the Church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Sanpaul is a small treasure. The building is proportionately broader than most wooden churches, with dimensions of 8.9 x 6.3 meters. The body of the church consists of a rectangular structure, which contains the pronaos and nave, and a three-walled altar chamber in the form of a linear apse. An unusual feature of the church is the front porch with a door on the short wall facing the altar. The section of the roof above the porch is supported by a series of posts that are linked by wood arches. The posts and arches are fixed by a clever system of joints. The door is highlighted by a simple frame. There are traces of painted decoration on the facade wall. The interior still bears an impressive cycle of paintings that were made by an artist from Gilau in 1788. The paintings include medallions with saints and scenes from the New Testament. Many of the borders are embellished by beautiful floral patterns. An early 20th century renovation saw the addition of tin panels to the roof.
(composed 2015 for website of Transylvania Alive Association for Cultural Heritage) 

Wooden Church at Sanpaul (photos Eric De Sena, 2015).