Din nou despre biserica „Sfântul Nicolae” din Gherdeal (județul Sibiu)
A New Perspective on “Saint Nicholas” Church in Gherdeal (Sibiu County)

Summary/Abstract: On the eastern edge of Sibiu County, among the wooded hills that rise to the right of river Olt, the desolate sight of a deserted place used to open to those who came to Gherdeal. The locals who emigrated massively from this village at the end of the last millennium left behind their households, which were exposed to progressive decay. However, new owners, who choose to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of big cities for either permanent or seasonal living, have recently bought and renovated some of these properties. It seems that the village is slowly coming back to life, animated by a different kind of community than the one formed by the many generations who were born there. Concerned with the heritage of "St. Nicholas" Orthodox church and its impressive mural decoration, I recently returned to Gherdeal, attracted by the circumstance of the partial disclosure of several painting fragments, which were hidden under a layer of lime. On this occasion, the inscription consecrating the monument was also disclosed on the northern facade of the church. The resumption of investigations led to the statement of new hypotheses regarding both the foundation of this place of worship and the authorship of the paintings that adorn it.

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