The “Modernisation” of Mediaeval Churches in Transylvania during the Baroque Period. The Franciscan Churches in Cluj and Sibiu. The Ursuline Church in Sibiu

The article explores the transformation of Transylvanian mediaeval churches throughout the 18th century. To illustrate the scope of these interventions or constructive “modernisations”, three case studies were selected in which the buildings were entirely transformed in the Baroque style. The three analysed churches were originally built as Catholic monastic churches, but during the Reformation, they were abandoned, left unmaintained, or used as warehouses. In a dilapidated state, they were reclaimed after the Austrian conquest of the principality and underwent a lengthy process of transformation, which in the early decades could be comprised of repairs and the reactivation of the liturgical space. Also, during these early phases, crypts were excavated, allowing for the early burial of important benefactors. These interventions were followed by the complete transformation, during which the mediaeval substance received a Baroque coating. The process occurred both internally, through the remodelling of the space, and externally, through the transformation of the elevations. The only elements that might betray their mediaeval origin are the polygonal choirs and the presence of buttresses, but even these could appear in churches built entirely in the 18th century. Thus, the differences are imperceptible, only suggested or revealed during the latest conservation works.