Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș
About Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș
Tilecuș is a village in Tileagd commune, on the DJ767 county road, and its wooden church, dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, stands in the centre of the village. The inscription on the portal beam gives the date 17 November 1785 and records a gift of one hundred florins from Filimon Gligor, a Romanian pursued by the authorities for taking part in the uprising of Horea, Cloșca and Crișan. The second founder was a local man, Manc Toader. The church was raised by two carpenters, the brothers Vasile and Toader Indrieș, who came from the Crișul Repede valley.
The structure is made of massive oak logs, joined with hooked notches, with a rope-twist belt course around the middle of the walls and a large shingle roof. The tall tower ends in a slender spire, and beneath it is an open gallery with double arches on each side. The portal, with rope-carved jambs and an ogee-shaped lintel, recalls Gothic models. The interior painting was made in 1793 by the painter Mihail Paholcec and was dominated by blue; water running through the roof destroyed most of it. The church was restored in 1965, and in 2003–2004 its whole roof was replaced. It is a historic monument (LMI code BH-II-m-A-01217).
What you can see
Outside, the tower with its open gallery, the rope-twist belt course and the carved portal with its inscription above are worth a close look. Inside survive the painted iconostasis, with the Crucifixion and rows of saints in frames, the royal doors with the Annunciation, a worked metal chandelier and traces of the painting on the vault, with Adam and Eve. A few icons on glass from the workshops at Nicula also remain from the old furnishings. The village also has a new masonry Orthodox church, built in 1937–1939, with five towers.
Good to know
No official visiting schedule is published in the sources consulted, and no recent restoration or closure was found. This is a parish church; the interior may be locked outside services.
Information verified on 20 October 2026.
- The tall wooden tower with an open gallery and double arches on each side.
- The carved portal, with its ogee lintel and the inscription of 1785.
- The rope-twist belt course and the large shingle roof.
- The iconostasis painted in 1793 and traces of the vault painting, with Adam and Eve.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Tilecuș lies on the DJ767, in Tileagd commune, about 23 km as the crow flies east of Oradea. The church is in the centre of the village, beside the road.
Public transport: no regular connection to Tilecuș is confirmed; a car is the safer option.
- Where to park
Parking is on the roadside next to the church; the village is small and no marked car park is confirmed.
- Rules
This is a working parish church: dress modestly and keep quiet during services. Before photographing inside, ask the person who opens it for permission.
Frequently asked questions about Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș
- How long does a visit to Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș take?
- A visit to Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș takes about 30 min (exterior and interior).
- Can you visit Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș with kids?
- Yes, Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș is suitable for children (open yard, beside the road).
- Where can I park at Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș?
- There is free parking at Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș (by the roadside). Parking is on the roadside next to the church; the village is small and no marked car park is confirmed.
- How do I get to Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș?
- Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș is located at DJ767, în centrul satului Tilecuș (comuna Tileagd), Tilecuș, Bihor County. By car: Tilecuș lies on the DJ767, in Tileagd commune, about 23 km as the crow flies east of Oradea. The church is in the centre of the village, beside the road. Public transport: no regular connection to Tilecuș is confirmed; a car is the safer option.
- When is the best time to visit Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș?
- The best season for Saints Michael and Gabriel Wooden Church in Tilecuș: May – October (summer, for the road and the yard).
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