husitský kostel v Ledči nad Sázavou Church

Welcome to the picturesque region of Vysočina, right in the heart of Ledče nad Sazavou. You're standing in front of a remarkable sacral structure, which is the local Husa Corps. Raise your head and let yourself breathe the atmosphere of a place that, by its appearance, faithfully reflects the time of its creation and efforts of the then society for its own spiritual face. In front of you there is a building whose overall composition is perfectly symmetrical, with a distinctive centre risalite and an invisible prism tower, which provides the whole building with dignity and strength. If you look to the very top of the tower, you will see an Orthodox cross that brings in an extraordinary element and symbolism.

Let us now slowly move forward in time and reveal the story behind these walls. The year is one thousand nine hundred twenty and new hope is born in Ledč nad Sazavou and the new religious community of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. In the early years of their existence, however, believers did not have their own sanctuary and had to settle for a rented cemetery church. But the desire for a spiritual home was strong. All took real contours in the years of a thousand nine hundred twenty-seven to a thousand nine hundred twenty-eight, when the base stone was laid and the actual structure of the congregation grew rapidly on the land which generously provided the town.

When you look carefully at the architectural solution designed by the talented builder Jaroslav Svoboda, you will find that the building is a wonderful and clean example of the ecclesiastical architecture of the Czech countryside. There is a manuscript of so-called historic modern, a direction that sensitively linked modern building processes with respect for traditional shapes. The architecture of the building is thoughtful and balanced. The central part with the risalite and the tower forms a harmonious unit, which makes the bystanders feel calm and firm.

Now pay attention to what's inside. The interior of this choir still retains its original equipment, thanks to which history breathes every step of the way. You can admire the wonderful baroque chandelier, which gives the space nobility, as well as the fine folk-designed painting details, which demonstrate the skill and respect of the masters of the time to craft. Each corner carries traces of human creativity and deep faith.

This success and the whole history are supported by a number of important personalities whose names are firmly linked to the Czechoslovak Hussite movement and directly to this Ice Club. The spiritual dimension and the ceremonial opening in the year one thousand nine hundred twenty-eight were sanctified by Bishop Stanislav Kordule, who served here the first service ever and gave the local community a blessing on its way. The key figures of the church led by Dr. Karl Farsky were due to develop spiritual and mental directions. And many years later, in the year one thousand nine hundred fifty-four, the inner space of the congregation also enriched a new altar painting, the author of which was the academic painter Karel Skála.

There is also a very interesting story associated with this place, which shows how difficult and admirable it was to build new sanctuaries in interwar Czechoslovakia. The financing of the whole building was based on the combined powers of the Church itself and the state contribution, but money was not enough. The believers had to face great financial commitments at the time, and there was a shadow of debt hanging over the choir. It was not an easy period, but people's resolve was stronger than economic difficulties. In the end, this ten-year debt burdensome the church community managed to fully pay off and debt the congregation only in the year one thousand nine hundred forty-four, which meant a great relief and a fresh start for local believers.

You stand in a place that carries the story of tenacity, art and the unbreakable faith of ordinary people. We hope you were interested in the story of the Ice Club Husus. We now cordially invite you to further explore the beauty of this city, to perceive its peaceful atmosphere and to discover the other corners that await you around. Thank you for listening to our audio guide, and wish you a beautiful day full of discoveries. Goodbye.