Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie (Loučeň) Church
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Loučení is one of the most important Baroque sacral buildings illuminated by architecture. It is located in close proximity to the lock, which forms part of which - specifically in its eastern wing. Since 1965, the church and the chateau have been protected together as a cultural monument, and it is a testament to the deep connection of the estate administrator with the divine tear.
The architect of the church was František Maximilián Kaňka, who realized it in 1710-1713. This period was one of the most productive baroque periods in Czech countries and Káňka was among the leading creators of the time.
The construction is characterized by a completely original central plan on the cross-diagram, which creates a balanced and harmonious impression. On the north side of the main portal, the prism tower with Yonian Pilasters is raised on rounded corners, which provides construction of dynamics. The tower was later modified in 1848 when it underwent modernization. The central part of the church is closed with a dome area that closes the interior space and allows light to enter. The wings of the building have cross vaults. The walls break down the lizen and rectangular windows with the shamrans, which complement the bent ledge. The church was painted in the 19th century, thus gaining another layer of wealth.
The inside of the church keeps facilities from the time of its construction. The main altar has a large architecture and bears a picture of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is supposed to come from the circle of the prominent baroque painter Peter Brandle. On the altar are statues of St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus and the angels, which may have been created by Czech sculptor Jan Oldřich Mayer. The three side altars are decorated with paintings of Charles Boromei from 1746 and the Death of St. Joseph. The third picture is supposed to come from workshop A. Braun. All these elements create an atmosphere of deep faith in the interior.
The church and chateau surroundings deserve the same attention. From the first half of the 19th century comes an English park with two ponds, in which are reflected Baroque statues with ancient motifs - Aenea taking father from Troy and probably the scene of the Proserpina Kidnapping. These statues come from the Baroque, around 1700. In and around the park is a rich collection of smaller sights. In the village there are statues of St. John Nepomuk with legendary reliefs and St. Prokop. The Chapel of the Holy Family standing at the forest edge quietly hides the painting of the Holy Family pilgrimage to Jerusalem by Emanuel Neumann from 1913 and the statue of the Archangel Gabriel from the 18th century.
In the forest northeast of Loučena, near the famous well called the water of God, there is a significant collection of Empire monuments. These include the crucifix, the stone monument of Prince K. A. Fürstenberg († 1799) and the memory column of Charles of Fürstenberg from 1796. The monuments come mainly from the beginning of the 19th century and represent works of artists of the Josef Malinský or Václav Prachner circuit.
Today, regular services are held in the church on Saturday and Friday at 4 p.m. The visitor will thus be given the opportunity to see this jewel in its original function.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1710
- Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Loučeni was built
- 1713
- The church was completed
- 1746
- The paintings of St. Charles Boromei were created
- 1796
- The pillar of the memory of Karl of Fürstenberg was built
- 1799
- Prince K. A. Fürstenberk died
Architectural development
The church has a central structure on a cross plan, supplemented by a prism tower at the north side of the main portal.
Historical events
- 1710
- Church creation
Points of interest
- The church was built by František Maximilian Kaňka between 1710 and 1713 and is a typical example of Czech Baroque art.
- In the church there is a main altar with the painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is probably the work of the great baroque painter Peter Brandle.
- In the interior of the church are statues of St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus and angels, which are perhaps the work of John Oldřich Mayer.
- In the vicinity of the church and the chateau there is an English park with Baroque statues from the first half of the 19th century that reflect ancient motifs.
- There are empirical monuments from the early 19th century in the forest northeast of Loučena, including the crucifix and the memorial of Prince Fürstenberg.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Roman Catholic parish church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Loučeni is a Baroque building that forms the eastern wing of the local château. It was built between 1710 and 1713 and is the work of the builder Kaňka. Since 1965, the church together with the château, to which it is connected, has been protected as a cultural monument.
It is a centrally planned building in the shape of a cross. On the north side of the main portal, it is complemented by a prismatic tower, which was renovated in 1848. At the rounded corners of the tower are Ionic pilasters. The walls of the church are articulated by pilasters and rectangular windows with dressings, topped with curved cornices. The centre of the building is crowned by a flat dome, and the arms of the cross have barrel vaults. The interior of the church was painted in the 19th century.
The furnishings date from when the church was built. The main altar has an expansive architecture and a painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which possibly comes from the circle of Petr Brandl. On it stand statues of Saint Wenceslas, Saint Vitus and angels, possibly by Jan Oldřich Mayer. Three side altars date from the 19th century. They bear paintings of Saint Charles Borromeo from 1746 and the Death of Saint Joseph. The third painting is possibly by the painter Braun.
The château with the church is surrounded by an English park from the first half of the 19th century with two ponds. In the park stand Baroque statues with classical motifs from around 1700. One depicts Aeneas carrying his father from burning Troy, the other apparently shows the Abduction of Proserpine. At the presbytery is kept a copy of a Byzantine icon from the 17th and 18th centuries.
In the village stand several statues. A statue of Saint John of Nepomuk from the 1740s has reliefs of the Saint John legend on its pedestal. Another statue of the same saint, from the first half of the 18th century, stands in the square. Near the presbytery garden is a statue of Saint Prokop from the mid-18th century.
On the edge of the forest by the road to Vlkava stands a chapel of the Holy Family. In it is a painting of the Journey of the Holy Family to Jerusalem by Emanuel Neumann from 1913 and a statue of the Archangel Gabriel from the 18th century.
About two kilometres northeast of Loučeni lies in the forest by a spring called Boží voda and a pond a striking complex of Empire-style monuments. It consists of a crucifix and a stone monument to Prince Fürstenberg, who died in 1799. Further, a column with a helm in memory of Charles of Fürstenberg from 1796. The monuments mostly date from the early 19th century and were created by artists from the circle of Josef Malínský or Václav Prachner. The complex is noteworthy mainly for how it romantically intertwines the landscape with the monuments.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is from spring to autumn, when the surroundings of the flower and the sun shine on the facade of the building. We recommend bringing solar glasses or a hat to protect themselves from sunlight. Remember to take the camera with you and do not be disturbed by statues with ancient motifs that are located around the church. The best places for photography are in front of the church and on its side where the sun shines. If you want to visit the surrounding area, we recommend going to the English park from the 1st half of the 19th century with two ponds or looking at statues with ancient motifs: Aenea taking the father from Troy and possibly Kidnapping Proserpina. For families with children, the church is ideal for a trip because it has a quiet environment and children can play here.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
Religious buildings are usually open mainly during services; at other times a visit is normally arranged with the parish or the operator. We have not verified specific times.
Where is the monument?
Location: Loučeň, Středočeský kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a cultural monument (register no. 36018/2-1859). It is protected as part of a larger listed ensemble.
For kids
Imagine coming back 316 years, until the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was still young and full of life in Loučni. At the time, the Parachen community was small, but very active. People have lived here since the Middle Ages, which is why the church is their oldest monument.
The church stood in the middle of the village as if it were her heart. People gathered at his walls to pray and celebrate their anniversary. The church was their home, where they came to comfort and joy. And that's why the church is so important to the locals.
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
English park from the first half of the 19th century with two ponds.
Statues with ancient motifs: Aenea's taking father from Troy and possibly Kidnapping Proserpina.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
1. Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Church) - The main destination of the visit and spiritual center of the village. 2. English park (park) - The space from the first half of the 19th century with two ponds, which offers a peaceful walk in nature. 3. Statues with ancient motifs (sculptures) - Artistic works in the park area which depict Aene's taking father from Troy and Kidnapping Proserpina.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring Spring in Loučni brings the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary a fine, scattered light that penetrates glass windows and creates playful shadows on the stone walls. Nature is awakening - meadows are green, trees are blooming and air smells of moisture and first heat. The atmosphere is calm, almost meditative, as if time in the church slowed down. In this period, the interior is colder, so bring light, but cover clothing - it often does not heat in the church. The best time to visit is early morning or after lunch, when crowds of tourists are not yet so dense. If you want to experience spring flowering, go to the surrounding parks before entering the church - their colors will complement the atmosphere of the place.
Summer Summer in the Louvena means a sunny, intense light that illuminates the church so that its stone details - such as statues or stained glass - gain deeper shades. Nature is lush, the trees are full of leaves and the air smells of grass and flowers. The atmosphere is alive, but the church keeps a nice temperature thanks to thick walls. In the main summer season, however, expect larger crowds, especially in the morning. I suggest you come before 9: 00 or after 14: 00, when the place is quieter. Suitable is light, but covering clothes - the church often does not mix, but the sun can be strong outside. Don't forget sunscreen and plenty of water if you plan to walk around.
Autumn Autumn Loučeň offers the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary a fine, golden light that penetrates the windows and creates soft, scattered shadows on the interior. Nature is colored in shades of yellow, orange and red, forests become like fire and air smells of fallen leaves. The atmosphere is calm, almost mysterious, as if the church was surrounded by the spirit of centuries past. It is cold out in this period, so wear warmer but not too thick layers - the church keeps a constant temperature. The best time to visit is in the morning when there is still light out and the crowds are not so big. If you want to experience the autumn charm, go to the surrounding forests - their colors will complement the atmosphere of the place and offer a peaceful walk.
Winter Winter Loučeň brings quiet, silver light to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which penetrates the windows and creates peaceful, shady surfaces on the interior. Nature is covered with snow, trees are like white sculptures, and the air is clean, as if time stopped. The atmosphere is calm, almost sacred, as if the church was surrounded by fog of past times. It's cold out this time of year, so wear warm, layered clothes and don't forget the gloves and the hat. The best time is in the morning when there's still light out and the crowds aren't that big. If you want to experience winter charm, go to the surrounding forests - their silence and white landscape will complement the atmosphere of the place and offer a peaceful walk.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: VitVit / CC BY-SA 3.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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