Tourism is a concept with many meanings, it can mean something completely different to everyone. The churches in Săcueni are undoubtedly tourist sites because of architecture, but also sacred significance for believers in God. In Săcueni there are many differenet -bigger or smaller-religious denominations, but only three of them have an imposing gathering place which can be interesting also as a tourist destination. These three types of the church are the roman catholic, reformed and orthodox church.
The Roman Catholic Church or Catholic Church is the Christian Church with the Bishop of Rome.
The Reformation named the Protestant Reformation or the European Reformation was a major movement within Western Christianity in 16th-century Europe.
The Orthodox Church is the one Church founded by Jesus Christ and his apostles, begun on the day of Pentecost with the descent of the Holy Spirit in the year 33 A.D.
Churches are not only spiritually significant but can also be interesting in their style. The reformed church in Săcueni is decorated with a thick baroque tower, and a long rectangular nave ends in the east with a chancel with many pillars. Three 19th-century outbuildings are connected to the body of the church: from the west to the tower and squeezed between the two pillars of the chapel from the east. A simple, semi-circular closure from the 18th century, slatted windows, and irregularly arranged pillars with gable-shaped gutters give the building a slightly unusual facade. Three windows illuminate the nave, and four illuminate the chancel. The triumphal arch has been torn down, giving the interior of the church a uniform three-dimensional effect. Foundations of an old building were from the 13th century.
This church has a really beautiful garden with huge trees, flowers and also with a scaled-down copy of the one-time fortress. There are some banches as well, so tourists can sit and have a rest- it’s really beautiful during the summer.
The second church is the Roman Catholic Church in Săcueni. This church was built in 1764-1768 by Count János Dietrichstein, landowner and imperial-royal councilor. The Church is called the Immaculate Conception. The style of the church is neo-baroque. On the beautiful baroque main altar of the church, there is a painting of the Immaculate Conception, and two richly decorated side altars are dedicated to St. Cross and St. Apollonia. What is unique is that the images of the stations at the intersections are condensed into two paintings, they are the work of the painter János Bittenbinder.
The third is the Romanian Orthodox Church of the Holy Archangels “Michael and Gabriel”, which is located in the city of Săcueni in Bihor County. This Holy Church was built in red in 1937-1940, during the pastoral care of the distinguished priest Oliviu Cipău, thanks to the donations of parishioners and with the support of the Romanian Army. In the Romanian Orthodox Church, you can see beautiful paintings and mosaics related to orthodox religion. The walls of this church are decorated with almost all colors, and the altar shows the most important religious motifs.
Churches in Săcueni are undoubtedly places where we experience spiritual experiences, we can pray, calm down, find time to talk to God. Also, non-believers can benefit from them, have the opportunity to learn about their history, architecture, admire their beauty as tourists. Each church represents a slightly different style and takes us to a different era. Everyone who visits the town should also go to these holy places to see their beauty.
Anna Bujalska