The “Assumption of the Virgin Mary” Church in Causeni, one of the oldest places of worship in the country, was reopened to the public after a period of restoration. The historical monument of national importance, dating from the 16th-18th centuries, was restored with funding from the American people and the contribution of the Government of the Republic of Moldova. This is the largest project to restore and preserve a U.S.-funded monument in Moldova, IPN reports.
President Maia Sandu said that, in spite of the sad past, when the church was transformed into a barn by the Soviet authorities, a large part of the interior post-Brâncoveanu frescoes dating from the 18th century were saved. “It is good news for all of us, but especially for the inhabitants of Causeni, whose history and identity are closely linked to this place. The church, which became a museum, puts Causeni on the tourist map of the country, but also of the region, especially since it is the only church in our country whose interior is fully covered by paintings,” stated the official.
President Sandu said that such unique places “make us proud and unite us, as united in faith in God were our forefathers who built this church at night, despite any risks.” “We will continue to preserve and care for our traditions and monuments and promote them around the world,” noted the official.
The mural painting of the church had been restored during over seven years by a team of restorers from Romania.
The project to preserve and restore the church that is under the custody of the National Art Museum of Moldova was coordinated by the Archaeological Research Center of the Republic of Moldova. It was carried out with the financial support of the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Moldova, provided from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation. Also, the works related to infrastructure, systematization and landscaping of the adjoining land and the works to reconstr the auxiliary spaces and install the engineering systems were coordinated by the National Art Museum of Moldova, being executed with state budget funds.
The church is on the Register of State-Protected Monuments of the Republic of Moldova.
