Being the favorite place of worship of hundreds of people every week, the wooden church in Belis has a rather atypical history. Initially, it was located in the village of Giurcuța de Jos, where it was built mainly of stone. Following the construction of the Fântânele-Beliș dam, the church had to go through a relocation process, which is why today it is located in Belișul Nou.
The church in Beliș is built of wood, with the help of the faithful and skilled craftsmen who made this possible. However, the decision to relocate the place of worship has been supported by state funds since 1975. Today, the wooden church in Belis attracts many believers and visitors annually, being a central point of the town and an exceptional tourist attraction of zone. Whenever you want to get rid of the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a little peace, start by taking care of your soul and discover the joys that a simple place of worship can bring you in everyday life.
History and presentation
The wooden church in Belis is dedicated to the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel, but is not yet among the buildings found on the new list of historical monuments. The appearance of the church in Beliș comes as a result of its relocation from Giurcuța de Jos. Starting with 1975, the locality is partially flooded by the waters from the Fântânele-Beliș dam.
The community of Orthodox believers in Giurcuța de Jos was quite active even before 1820. There were stable priests and even a church for worship. The revolution of 1848 led to the burning of the church, which is why the erection of the new building took place only in 1862, following the efforts of the faithful in the village.
The place of prayer required a new location, as the architecture behind the Fântânele dam required this place. Thus, the relocation was ensured through state funds, enjoying a new location in Belișul Nou.
Curiosities
The construction process related to the wooden church in Beliș involved the support of carpenters from around Albac. They had constant help from the believers who brought the wood and shingles they needed.
The building is built with the help of fir beams that were cut by hand with a saw. From an architectural point of view, it has the shape of a ship, being in accordance with the style found in most Transylvanian churches located in the Apuseni Mountains.
The interior of the church is lined with planks, while the appearance of the exterior is enriched by shingles. The two porches are located in the north and the west, and the heritage objects can be admired at the Metropolitan Museum.
Curious people who want to see the stone church of Beliș again can do it every 5 years. These days, the dam is cleaned and the water is turned off. Thus, the old church can be admired in all its splendor, according to the remaining elements.
The wooden church from Beliș
The wooden church from Beliș is located in Beliș commune, Cluj county.