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Baktalórántháza
Fresco of Christ |
Two years ago, I
already reported on the Route of Medieval Churches project, which focuses on medieval monuments in North-Eastern Hungary, and neighbouring regions of the medieval Kingdom of Hungary, which now lie in Romania and the Ukraine. The project has been going ahead during that time, and by now reached another important milestone. This means first of all the publication of an all-new volume, which focuses on medieval churches in the north-eastern region of medieval Hungary, much of which now lies in the Ukraine (the region of Carpatho-Ukraine). The book, titled
Medieval Churches from the Tisza valley to the Carpathians has been published both in Hungarian and Ukrainian versions. It treats several well-known monuments, such as the 13th century rotunda of Gerény with its 14th century fresco cycle, as well as a number of newly discovered medieval monuments, including a large number of medieval wall paintings. All of this is the result of research carried out during the last three years, coordinated by the editor of the book, Tibor Kollár. The publication joins the earlier volume, which focused on medieval monuments of historic Szatmár county. PDF-versions of both publications
can be downloaded - in Hungarian. It is worth to do so simply for the all-new illustration material contained in these volumes.
Another new result of the project is a completely rewamped
new website, which is available in several languages. The website outlines the goals and results of the entire EU-funded touristic and research project, and gives detailed information about the medieval churches of the region.
Start browsing in English - it is definitely worth it. Check out such famous gems as the church of
Csaroda, long thought to be the most characteristic medieval church from the Arpadian period (before 1301), but now dated to the early 14th century. Have a look at it twin edifice in Transcarpathia, the church of
Palágykomoróc - where last year frescoes painted by a workshop known from Csaroda were found. Explore the church of
Ákos, the most significant Romanesque monastery church in Eastern Hungary, or the little-known church of
Nagybégány.
But most of all, go an explore the region in person - thanks to this EU-project, there is plenty of information available to organize such a trip. As an inspiration, I am including here a few photos taken during my most recent trip in the region.
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| Ákos, late 12th century church |
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| The church of Csengersima |
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| Csaroda, view of the church |
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| Csenger, the gothic brick church of the village |
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| Frescoes at Lónya from 1413 |
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| Frescoes at Tarpa |
Very interesenting places for visit. Iwish can go. enytime.Rosana Marchese
ReplyDeleteI am fascinated in the north-eastern region of medieval Hungary, much of which now lies in the Ukraine as you say. My husband was born and raised during his early years in what is now the Czech Republic but his parents' home was in the Carpathian mountains. They spoke Czech of course, but learned Hungarian at school.
ReplyDeleteWhen would you say most of the medieval churches on the Route were built - early 14th century?
Most of the churches in the area were indeed built in the first half of the 14th century, with plenty more construction going on all through the 15th century. There are very few churches from the earlier period (12th/13th centuries).
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