Strei medieval church, Hunedoara, Romania

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The Dormition of the Theotokos Church is a Romanian Orthodox church located in Strei village, Călan town, Hunedoara County, Romania. A historical document from 1392 marks the earliest recorded mention of this magnificent structure. Archaeologists have unearthed remnants of a Roman villa rustica on the site, hinting at a rich and storied past. Constructed from stone in the late 13th century to serve as the centerpiece for a noble court, the church boasts a distinctive bell-tower situated on its western side, a compact nave with a vaulted ceiling, and a rectangular altar. Its exterior walls were once adorned with vibrant colors, but today it is the interior frescoes that remain, painted by Grozie, an artist who signed his work in an inscription dating back to the third quarter of the 14th century. These frescoes seamlessly blend Byzantine iconography, north Italian elements, and a strong Romanesque influence to create a truly one-of-a-kind style.