In a surprising revelation, medieval frescoes have been uncovered in the Slovakian village of Sása. The frescoes were found in the sacristy of the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria, which was constructed in the 13th century.
The artwork came to light in 2022 when parts of the original plaster were removed. The frescoes include a vivid scene of the Crucifixion, the face of Christ, and symbols of the evangelists. Notable details also include portraits of Jesus at the center of an altar and saints on either side, along with a large depiction of Maiestas Domini—Christ in a mandorla. These figures, rendered with high-quality craftsmanship, bear stylistic influences from both Italian and Byzantine art traditions, suggesting a master artist from Italy.
Following the discovery, the Banská Bystrica Regional Monuments Office quickly initiated restoration efforts to preserve the frescoes, as the sacristy’s plaster layers were unstable. The first stage of restoration, led by Rudolf Boroš in 2023, unveiled the frescoes’ extent and intricate details. Along with the biblical scenes, architectural elements such as the original Gothic window arch were uncovered, highlighting the historical architectural transformations within the church.
This discovery offers a rare glimpse into medieval Slovak religious art and underscores the significance of Sása’s church within the region’s cultural landscape. As the restoration progresses, art historians and conservators will continue examining the frescoes, potentially unveiling further details about the church’s role in medieval Slovakia.
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