Culture, history, and spirituality - that's exactly what you'll find when travelling the world to see one or all of these marvellous masterpieces. In the art industry, frescoes have been known to stand the test of time, showcasing both amazing human skill and unbelievable creativity. Whether you stumble across the lesser-known or take a trip to experience the worldwide acclaimed, there is no denying the beauty and incredible stories each one reveals. Let's take a closer look at these hidden treasures and learn more about the five most astounding frescoes around the world.

The San Pedro de Tárcoles Church Frescoes, Costa Rica

Painted by local artist Pancho Bonilla, you can find a collection of stunning frescoes dating back to the 19th century nestled in the heart of the Tárcoles rainforest. If you are lucky enough to visit these amazing frescoes, you'll experience a glimpse into Costa Rica's rich artistic tradition, hidden away in the San Pedro de Tárcoles Church. These vibrant murals depict scenes from Costa Rican history and folklore while celebrating the country's cultural diversity and natural beauty.

The Brancacci Chapel Frescoes, Florence, Italy

The Brancacci Chapel is simply tucked away within the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine and happens to be the home to a collection of precise and delicately designed frescoes by Masaccio and Masolino da Panicale. These Italian Renaissance works of art date back to the 15th century and are a must-see for art enthusiasts and avid travellers alike. Putting on an eye-catching display of detailed scenes from the life of St. Peter and combining incredible realism, thought-provoking depth and vibrant colours, the lucky viewers of these frescoes are certainly transported back in time.

The Pomorie Frescoes, Pomorie, Bulgaria

Now, let's take a trip back to the 14th century. If you happen to be taking a trip to Pomorie, Bulgaria, in the future, stopping off at the beautiful medieval St. George Monastery, you will stumble across the Pomorie Frescoes decorating the expansive walls. Due to centuries of wear and tear and despite many restoration efforts, their colours remain vivid, but these hidden gems are a magical sign for anyone willing to take the journey to see them. Biblical scenes and religious motifs make up these Byzantine-style frescoes, which stand as a testament to the enduring, graceful and elegant power art like this truly has across the globe.

The San Pedro de Tárcoles Church Frescoes, Costa Rica

Painted by the local artist Pancho Bonilla and sitting proudly within the heart of the glorious Tárcoles rainforest, you will be met by the unassuming San Pedro de Tárcoles Church. Despite this location being more on the remote side, many travellers and art lovers take the worthwhile trip to set their eyes on these church walls adorned with stunning frescoes dating back to the 19th century. These vibrant murals offer gorgeous visuals depicting scenes from across Costa Rican history and folklore. So, if you fancy catching a glimpse of cultural diversity and natural beauty, go and see these artistic masterpieces for yourself.

The Wuyuan Frescoes, Jiangxi Province, China

Discovered deep within the remote villages of Wuyuan County, travellers will find a collection of ancient frescoes dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). These outstanding frescoes offer us a glimpse into China's rural heritage, with pieces showcasing scenes of daily life, folklore, and mythology. Painted on the walls of rural places of residence, despite their humble origins, the rustic charm and authenticity that these Wuyuan Frescoes hold continue to captivate visitors from around the world and will continue for years to come.

The Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, India

These ethereal paintings are a sight to be seen, illuminated by natural light filtering through the Ajanta Caves. These caves happen to be home to an astounding collection of ancient Buddhist frescoes carved into the rock face of a horseshoe-shaped gorge and date back to the 2nd century BCE. Standing as a testament to India's rich artistic heritage, their exquisite beauty and spiritual significance make the Ajanta Caves a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represent scenes from the life of Buddha and other celestial beings.

Be it the grandeur of Renaissance masterpieces or the simplicity of rural folk art, these frescoes truly captivate the human eye and stand with cultural significance and authority. From the caves in India to chapels in Italy, there is one thing we can be sure of, and that is the importance of reserving, admiring, and celebrating these hidden treasures for generations to come.

And what's better? You can explore our collection of wall prints taking inspiration from the frescoes found around the world.