Saint Nicholas' wooden church in Bogdan Vodă, Maramureș, Romanian Orthodox wooden church in Bogdan Vodă, Romania
Saint Nicholas' wooden church stands in the center of a cemetery yard with a rectangular main body and a polygonal chancel apse. The structure measures approximately 18 meters in length, while the wooden tower rises to about 25 meters high.
The church was built in 1718 and replaced an earlier stone structure from the 14th century that had fallen into ruins by the 16th century. This construction on the remains of an older chapel shows how this sacred site was preserved and renewed across generations.
The wall paintings display two distinct artistic phases: early miniatures with Slavonic inscriptions and later baroque-style paintings with Romanian text, reflecting how worship practices changed over time. These layers tell the story of different generations who shaped the space.
The church is located in the Iza Valley and remains open for Orthodox services, so it is wise to check local service times before planning a visit. The building is relatively small and compact, so interior spaces can become crowded during worship.
Inside hangs a rare portrait of Pan Vasili Samplonțai from Săpânța, the founder who commissioned the interior paintings in 1754. This depiction of a historical patron provides a personal link to the artistic history of the place.
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