Documented since 1331, the locality of Sântămăria – Orlea is situated along the national road that connects Petroșani to Hațeg and hosts one of the most imposing historical monuments in Hunedoara County.
The Church of Sântămăria – Orlea is a place of worship erected on a small plateau at the outskirts of the village, not far from the old castle of the noble Kendeffy family. It now belongs to the Reformed cult, after having been Catholic in the past.
The Sântămăria-Orlea Reformed-Calvinist Church is one of the oldest churches in Romania, being built towards the end of the 13th century. Consisting of a vaulted nave, a tower on the west façade and a rectangular altar vaulted in a cross on the ogives, it presents architectural forms specific to the transition from Romanesque to early Gothic, and inside there are valuable set of murals.
The Church of Sântămăria – Orlea also captivates you with the beauty of its architecture.
Built of rough stone and edged stone at the edges, the church attracts attention not only by the neat appearance of its high walls, but especially by the beauty of the portals and windows, with carefully executed columns and frames.
The secular place of worship is illuminated by narrow windows with semicircular openings, while the rectangular nave is equipped with a Romanesque portal on its southern side. According to technical characteristics, in its western part, there is a gallery, added after 1447, supported by octagonal stone columns and separated from the bell tower.
To the east, the architectural composition of the monument also includes a rectangular altar (6.24 x 6.40 m), vaulted crosswise on the ogives, with massive ribs that rest on consoles with a flowery decoration. The square tower, with five levels, has a Romanesque portal on the ground floor, with a rich carved decoration. On the first floor, the presence of a Gothic window is due to an intervention after the construction of the monument.
Instead, the windows on the top floors are Romanesque and belong to the initial construction phase. The roof, rebuilt during one of the many renovation sites to which the cult building was subjected over time, consists of four triangular stone pediments and an extended pyramid.
A majestic church that is worth visiting.
The Church of Sântămăria – Orlea captivates with its grandeur, and many are those who stop to visit it. Access to the interior is exceptionally easy because the "key keepers" promptly approach you with great kindness and inquire if you'd like to explore it if you've paused to admire this imposing church that has watched over Sântămăria Orlea for centuries. The interior is just as spectacular as the exterior, showcasing various phases of the transformation of this sacred place of worship throughout the centuries.
In any case, the Church of Sântămăria – Orlea falls into the category of monuments whose history is shrouded in an aura of mystery. Even the opinions of historians have been and continue to be divided regarding who founded this church and to which confession it belonged. And the controversies only add to this aura of mystery.
More info on https://www.crestinortodox.ro/biserici-manastiri/biserica-santamarie-orlea-68000.html
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