In a rare and unexpected discovery, medieval frescoes have been uncovered in the small Slovakian village of Sása, revealing a valuable part of the region’s artistic heritage. Found in the sacristy of the 13th-century Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, the frescoes were hidden under layers of plaster that were removed during maintenance work in 2022.
Medievalists.net explains how the Banská Bystrica Regional Monuments Office moved quickly to preserve the fragile images, launching a restoration project in early 2023 under the direction of conservation expert Rudolf Boroš.
Initial work revealed intricate scenes, including a vivid depiction of the crucifixion, a detailed face of Christ, and symbols of the four evangelists. At the center of the arrangement is an image of the Maiestas Domini – Christ framed in a mandorla, a classic medieval representation of divine authority. Saints appear on either side, with high-quality craftsmanship suggesting the influence of Italian and Byzantine art styles. This unusual blend suggests that an artist from Italy may have worked on the frescoes, bringing a refined level of detail to the region’s medieval art.
The discovery is significant not only for the art it reveals, but also for what it reveals about the church’s architecture. During the restoration, experts uncovered structural features, such as a Gothic window arch, that show how the building evolved over time. These architectural elements, combined with the artwork, provide a deeper understanding of the church’s historical role in the area.
As the restoration progresses, Medievalists.net goes on, conservators and historians are continuing their examination, piecing together insights into the techniques and influences that shaped these frescoes. The goal is to stabilize the frescoes for the long term and preserve them for future study and appreciation.
For now, the frescoes stand as a unique example of medieval Slovak art, with stylistic links to the broader European art landscape. This unexpected discovery adds a valuable chapter to the history of Slovak religious art, highlighting the craftsmanship and cultural exchange of the medieval period.
