Selo Rotunda, Romanesque rotunda in Selo, Slovenia
Selo Rotunda is a small circular church built during the first half of the 13th century, featuring a central cylindrical chamber topped with a conical roof. The interior surfaces are completely covered with medieval frescoes painted directly onto the walls, which form the main focus of any visit.
The rotunda was built between 1205 and 1235 and originally formed part of a larger medieval complex, as shown by its architectural features. Over the centuries, the chapel was repainted multiple times, with each generation layering new artworks over the older ones.
The interior walls display two layers of frescoes from different periods: the older layer shows the Three Kings' journey from the 14th century, while the younger layer depicts Christ's Passion from around 1400. Visitors can observe how these artworks were painted one over the other, showing how artistic styles changed over time in this region.
The best way to visit the rotunda is through the Moravske Toplice Tourist Information Center, located about 11 kilometers away, where you can arrange access. It is worth contacting them in advance since the chapel sits in an isolated location with limited visiting hours.
The entrance wall features a distinctive depiction of Christ's entry into Jerusalem that stands out from the other frescoes in style and composition. Digital tools are now available to help visitors better understand the dome paintings and their religious meaning.
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