The reformed church in Daia

Built in the 14th-15th centuries, during the Arpadian period, the church in Daia stands out for the charm of its Gothic architecture with Italian Renaissance influences.

The most impressive element of the church is the painted coffered ceiling, a unique work made up of 56 distinct coffers. Floral motifs and symbolic painted designs offer a cosmogonic journey through the stages of life, through the symbolism of the beginning and development of divine creation. The blue-green frescoes between the ribs of the altar, illustrated with plant motifs, reflect Italian Renaissance influences. Coats of arms of the noble personalities of the area are sprinkled among them.

The frescoes representing Saint Christopher, dating from the 14th-15th centuries, add extra charm to the place. To these are added others, the most representative of which are those inspired by religious legends, such as the Legend of Margaret, the Adoration of the Magi or the Legend of Saint Ladislaus.

As happened in many other places, the Catholic population adopted the Reformation, the local church being transformed into a Reformed-Calvin one, at which point the frescoes were covered with whitewash. Both the structure and the decorations of the church today reflect the changes of the times and the evolution of the cultural and spiritual life of the community.

Archaeological research suggests the existence, on the site of the current church, of an older Romanesque structure, dating from the 12th century. The nave, originally vaulted, is the oldest part of the church.

Major architectural changes took place at the end of the 15th century, when a ribbed vault was added to the nave and the polygonal Gothic sanctuary was crowned with a cross vault in the style specific to that era. The tall and slender tower, built between 1799-1804 by the craftsman Gergely Mózes, houses a bell cast in 1643.

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A locally beloved legend tells of three fairies from long ago: Klára, Dála and Ramocsa, who, passing through these lands, decided to build their homes here. The fairies became attached to these places, especially Dála, who returned here several times over time. Thus, the settlement itself owes its name to this special connection, keeping the imprint of the Dála fairy in its history and identity.

On the northern wall of the church, we find fragments of the fresco illustrating the legend of Saint Ladislaus, a cycle of stories that was once painted along the entire length of the wall. The scene of Going to Battle has survived the centuries. We glimpse the vivid colors that composed the story of the life and deeds of the holy King Ladislaus I of Hungary. Beloved and respected, Ladislaus was a warrior and military leader known for his piety, and his devotion to faith and acts of almsgiving are often illustrated in Hungarian-influenced religious art.

On August 20, every year, the community gathers in commemoration of Saint King Stephen. This day is marked by a special church service, intended to recall the significant contributions of the king to the history and culture of the Hungarian people. Saint King Stephen, also known as Saint Stephen of Hungary, was the first monarch of Christian Hungary.

You can continue your spiritual journey to Dârjiu where the Unitarian Fortified Church is located, a UNESCO protected monument, whose construction began in the 13th century. The monument is famous for its frescoes.