The World's Greatest Churches Season 1 Episode 6 The Painted Churches of Romania

The Painted Churches of Romania is the sixth episode of the first season of The World's Greatest Churches. This episode takes the viewers on a journey to explore four magnificent Romanian churches whose walls are adorned with stunning frescoes painted in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The episode starts by introducing the history and significance of these painted churches that are located in the remote villages of northern Romania. These churches were built by the local rulers known as "voivodes" to commemorate significant events or to express their devotion to God. The frescoes painted on the walls of these churches were meant to educate and inspire the mainly illeterate population of the region.

The viewers are then taken on a tour of these churches, starting with the Church of the Holy Cross in Maramureș. This church, built in the 14th century, is popularly known as the "Sistine Chapel of the East" due to the intricate frescoes that completely cover the interior walls and ceiling. The frescoes depict scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as well as stories from the life of Christ, and are distinguished by their vivid colors and expressive figures.

Next, the episode explores the UNESCO-listed Church of St. Nicholas in Budești. This church, built in the early 16th century, is renowned for its richly decorated exterior walls, which feature a unique combination of Byzantine and local decorative motifs. The frescoes, depicting Princes, Saints, Apostles and other holy figures, display a great sense of realism, with detailed facial expressions and exquisite clothing details.

The third church on the itinerary is the Church of the Holy Archangels in Rogoz. Built in the early 17th century, this church is distinguished by its grandeur and ornamentation. Its walls and ceiling are covered in frescoes that skillfully mix traditional Christian iconography with local legends, such as the famous “Nine Brothers who Fight with Beasts” or the “Wheel of Fortune”. The church's vivid colors, bold outlines, and decorative style reflect the strong influence of the contemporary Baroque art movement in Western Europe.

The final church of the episode is the Church of St. George in the village of Sucevița. This church, built in the late 16th century by the ruling family of Moldavia, is known for its imposing size and impressive frescoes. The exterior walls feature intricate pictures from the Last Judgment, while the interior frescoes depict scenes from the lives of Mary and Jesus. The episode also highlights the signature style of the Sucevița painters - their use of green color which is unique to this church and is considered a masterpiece of the early Renaissance.

Throughout the episode, the viewers are treated to fascinating insights into the cultural and historical context of these frescoes, as well as the techniques and materials used by the painters. The episode also features interviews with local experts and historians who provide valuable insights into the significance of these churches for the Romanian people.

Overall, The Painted Churches of Romania is a must-see for anyone interested in art, history, and religion. The episode shines a light on the hidden treasures of Romania’s painted churches and inspires viewers to explore these cultural marvels for themselves.