This Blue Paint Used at the “Sistine Chapel of the East” Is Still a Mystery!

Nestled in the forests of Bukovina in eastern Romania stands the Voronet Monastery, also known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East.”

Built in 1488 by Stephen the Great, its construction took a precise period of three months, three weeks and three days, to symbolize the Holy Trinity.

The monastery’s fame lies in its vibrant exterior frescoes, especially the enigmatic “Voronet blue.”

This unique shade, still unmatched in its brilliance, has mystified experts for centuries.

Despite extensive research, the exact composition and technique remain elusive. Known components include azurite, an element imported from distant lands, yet the full recipe continues to baffle scientists and historians alike.

What adds to the intrigue is the method used by the craftsmen.

They applied the paint on slightly wet plaster, a technique that ensured the color’s longevity. Legends even suggest that the workers were paid in tuică, a local alcoholic beverage, hinting at its possible role in the paint mixture.

The Voronet Monastery a remains a popular site for pilgrims today!

Photo credit: Sîmbotin via Wikimedia Commons