Fabulous landscapes, a sacred journey: why the Trail of Medieval Churches is worth a visit

There are as many churches as there are stories and wonders behind them. At the same time, religious venues are increasingly being left out of the bustle of tourism. This is why the initiative and tourist attraction on the Hungary-Romania border, the Trail of Medieval Churches – which is being set up under the aegis of the Cross-border Cooperation Programme – is of particular importance. The route takes you through the breathtaking landscapes and ecclesiastical heritage of three countries – North-East Hungary, the Romanian Partium and the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains. However, it is not only the common historical roots that make this cross-border thematic route special, but also the wealth of monuments and art history that is unparalleled in the region. Visiting the inland part is also an unmissable experience, so don’t mind if you only have time for that, as the Upper Tisza region is itself a unique area rich in medieval churches.

Although churches are intimate spaces of religious life, they connect different eras and are pulsating with history, while mysticism is all around them. Walking within their walls, you can feel the tranquillity and soak up the spirits of bygone eras. This is especially true of the small churches of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg Cunty, where wooden bell towers, ornate ceilings and frescoes from the Middle Ages exude a special atmosphere. It is here that a dense network of medieval churches has survived that is unique in the world. This is due to the fact that the area’s marshy floodplain has protected it from the ravages of history: first the Tatar invasion, then the Turkish invasion. Thus, they have remained out of the hands of foreigners and can still be admired in their original splendour by passers-by.

There are 37 churches in the territory of Hungary. Several churches here have been preserved in their original, beautifully painted state. In the Middle Ages and even for a short time afterwards, these buildings were decorated not only inside but also outside. There are also several Reformed churches on the tour, where beautiful wall paintings and richly carved pulpits add to the splendour of churches. The best examples of this can be found in Márokpapi, Csaroda, Vámosatya and Sonkád. With the spread of the Reformation, not only the decorated churches but also the medieval frescoes were exiled. However, due to the fact that they tried to remove the frescoes by whitewashing, they have in fact only preserved them for posterity. Wall paintings from the beginning of the 14th century have been preserved in Csaroda and can be admired.

The traces of the Middle Ages will be with you all the way, but that’s not the only reason to choose the Trail of Medieval Churches – it is also a breathtaking journey in a picturesque setting. Tiny villages, clean air and all the treasures of lush nature are all around us if we put on our hiking boots and explore the area on our own. The Upper Tisza region is full of wonders, where medieval churches are a jewelry box attracting tourists. And if you want to see the whole tour, you can get lost and rediscover yourself among the ancient walls of 15 more churches in Transcarpathia and 12 in Satu Mare county.