The Ladder to Paradise on the north façade of the medieval Suceviţa Monastery in Romania
The monastery, naturally, is a UNESCO monument. Inside and out it is covered entirely, with the exception of the western wall, in paintings of scenes from the Old and New Testaments, the intercession of all the saints and historical subjects.
The painting of Suceviţa is not Renaissance art but a continuation of the late Byzantine iconographic tradition. In style it differs fundamentally from what was being painted in that same year, 1585, in Rome or Venice. It is another artistic world.
The "Ladder of Virtues" shows sinners tumbling from it into hell while the righteous ascend to paradise. The dominant colour of the paintings is blue, and the level of detail is incredible, more reminiscent of book miniatures than of frescoes.
I wish everyone to tread this ladder with care, so as not to slip and fall by accident, and to remember that, should the worst happen, there are angels nearby who will stretch out a hand.
