The church

The church is first mentioned in Nikolaus Apafi's will and testament. Another important document in the church's history is the one issued in 1424 by Pope Martin V granting Nikolaus Apafi the right to give indulgences in the chapel of the Holy Blood. Even though it was not preserved, this chapel is supposed to have stood next to the Saint Mary church. Its purpose was to serve the Catholics after the Reformation took place.

The church, which has three naves and a belfry, was built in the first half of the 14th century by Gregor, son of Nikolaus. The sanctuary was rebuilt in international gothic style around 1400. The present aspect of the church is due to a major intervention at the beginning of the 20th century. The main nave, covered by a flat ceiling, opens up towards the collateral naves through four pointed arches and through a triumphal pointed arch towards the choir. This form has been attributed when the sanctuary, the windows, the doorways and the decorations were redesigned in international gothic.

The paint work

The real treasure of Malancrav is the mural painting, one of the best preserved specimens of 14th century linear-narrative gothic painting. Most of the frescoes are on the north wall of the main nave and were painted around 1350. The painting of the choir was done later, after its reconstruction in the1400s. The 53 scenes are ordered on five tiers and embody a real synthesis of redemption, based on the Old and the New Testament.

The fortification

On the outside, little has been preserved from the mantle wall that once surrounded the premises. All that remains is a simple surrounding rampart and the first levels of the gate tower.

You can find more information about this church and many others on this CD dedicated to the fortified churches in Transylvania.