Reformed Church in Saciova

If you're following in the footsteps of the legend of Saint Ladislaus, then you definitely want to visit the Reformed Church in Saciova, Covasna County. Situated in a picturesque landscape, the church, whose construction dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, hides recently discovered fresco fragments and a valuable coffered ceiling painted in 1761.

The mural painting discovered here fits perfectly into the themes of Hungarian medieval iconography, depicting the legend of Saint Ladislaus, the scene of the Pursuit of the Cuman, and the representation of the healing of Saint Elisabeth.

Even though the church is currently undergoing rehabilitation, which will last until 2026, it is worth visiting the area because beyond the small village lie untouched ancient forests, and in the immediate vicinity is the Reci Birch Forest, a protected natural area that will offer you an unforgettable view!

The Story of the place

The village of Saciova is mentioned for the first time in written sources in 1567 under the name Zachwa. Near the village, on one of the peaks of the mountain range, there was once a fortress - probably built in the 13th century and part of the border fortifications - the remnants of which can still be seen. The local oral tradition keeps alive the memory of the Saciova fortress, with the village elders telling that "... vast forests stretched around the fortress."

The Baroque Reformed church in the village was built in the 18th century on the site and probably on the foundation of a Gothic chapel built sometime in the 14th century. The current form of the church dates from the period 1818-1827. At that time, the medieval sanctuary was demolished, and in its place, the tower was built in 1824, and the church nave was widened, with a southern entrance being constructed.

Representation of the Legend of Saint Ladislaus

The chance for the small settlement to reaffirm itself in the eyes of art historians and those who appreciate cultural heritage came in 2000 when Jánó Mihály, a renowned art historian, and Kiss Lóránd, a restorer specialized in heritage sites in Transylvania, uncovered a wall surface to reveal the fresco hidden under successive layers of plaster and lime. The mural painting discovered then fit into the typology of Hungarian medieval iconography, depicting the well-known theme of the legend of Saint Ladislaus, the scene of the Pursuit of the Cuman, and a representation of the healing of Saint Elisabeth. Painted in fresco technique, it is estimated that the two scenes were painted sometime in the 14th century.

Unique Experiences

Not far from the village, in the commune of Reci, is a landscape reminiscent of a Chekhovian story - a beautiful birch forest. The Reci Birch Forest and the Ozun-Sântionlunca Ponds are protected areas where, in addition to the wonderful birches, we also find manifestations of unique geological phenomena: marshes and reddish sand dunes. In the area, tourism is booming, with already luxurious accommodation spaces and the opportunity to dine in places with idyllic landscapes.