The Wooden Church in Apoldu de Jos, Sibiu, 18th century

St John the Evangelist's Church is the most precious spiritual heritage of Apoldu de Jos village (Sibiu County, Romania). It is built of wood and is covered with a wooden roof.

This church is dated in the year 1771, but the village elders think it might be older. They tell the church was built in the time of Michael the Brave/ Mihai Viteazu.

According to the oral tradition, the church was originally built in another village (Ocna Sibiului) and it has been carried with ox carts up to Apoldu de Jos.

The church interior is painted and one of the most interesting representations is that of St. Christopher, the saint with animal-like head. His head might be that of a goat or dog. On the wall that separates the nave from the narthex, there is a Cyrillic inscription, according to which the church was painted by Simion from Craiova.

This church is included in Save the Monument Campaign as it needs painting restoration.

For more photos and video, click http://salveazamonumentul.blogspot.com/2011/05/biserica-de-lemn-din-apoldu-de-jos.html   or  http://salveazamonumentul.blogspot.com/2011/05/biserica-din-lemn-din-apoldu-de-jos.html  

Apoldu de Jos is a commune located in Sibiu County, Romania. Lat/Lon: 45.8667, 23.8500   www.bing.com/maps/