Biserica de lemn – Muzeul taranului roman

Whispers of Transylvania echo within the Biserica de lemn – Muzeul taranului roman. This wooden church, tucked away in the courtyard of the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant, holds a captivating tale. Originally built in the late 18th century, the Biserica de lemn – Muzeul taranului roman served the community of Bejan, Hunedoara, under the patronage of Saint Nicholas. It remained a place of worship until 1947. Then a new brick church was built, silencing the wooden sanctuary. Local lore suggests the church, like many Transylvanian wooden churches, was relocated, possibly from Valea Bradului or Luncoara. The Biserica de lemn – Muzeul taranului roman endured renovations in 1934 and 1962. However, by 1991, it stood on the brink of collapse. Horia Bernea, then director of the Peasant Museum, recognized its historical importance. The museum took on the task of saving this architectural gem, along with other wooden churches in its care. In 1992, the Biserica de lemn – Muzeul taranului roman was carefully transported to the museum’s courtyard. A year later, it was inaugurated and consecrated, gaining a second patron, Saint Mina, protector of treasures. The church’s walls, crafted from oak beams joined by dovetail notches, reveal a traditional “crown of beams” technique. Its layout, with a narthex, nave, and altar, follows an axial design. The present tower, with its pyramidal roof, is not the original. Research suggests the original tower, larger horizontally, was replaced with the current, more proportionate structure. Entering through the south side narthex, you’ll notice a central opening flanked by balustraded areas. This is the “women’s porch,” a traditional feature in Transylvania. The square nave, illuminated by small windows, boasts a semicircular wooden vault. Traces of deteriorated paintings hint at its former glory. The polygonal altar, with its three windows, and the simple poplar wood floors complete the interior. The Biserica de lemn – Muzeul taranului roman embodies the artistry and expertise of its builders. Its simplicity belies a carefully planned structure. It stands as a testament to folk architecture and a poignant reminder of Romania’s rich cultural heritage.