The round church in Geoagiu

VISITING HOURS:

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In a quiet corner of Geoagiu, there stands a place of worship unlike any other in Romania — the Romanesque Chapel, the only surviving medieval rotunda in the country that remains open to visitors seeking to step into the depths of history. Believed to have been built in the 11th or 12th century, it is considered by many historians to be the oldest stone church in Romania, and its origins remain a fascinating mystery.

Circular in shape and constructed using repurposed materials from nearby Roman ruins, the Rotunda reflects the influence of ancient Dacian altars, making it a rare fusion of pre-Christian and Christian traditions. Although it is no longer used for religious services, having been replaced by a neighboring church, it is still under the care of the Reformed Church and continues to stand as a powerful symbol of the region’s religious heritage.

Legend has it that the chapel was built by crusaders returning from Jerusalem, following the Roman road that once crossed the Geoagiu Valley. Originally serving as a church, the rotunda was later transformed into a chapel. Despite archaeological research, many aspects of this remarkable site remain unknown, lending an air of mystery to its already captivating historical presence.

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