The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Hořice is a Roman Catholic church situated in the heart of Hořice, a town in the Královéhradecký kraj region of the Czech Republic. This 18th-century baroque church is a protected cultural monument and is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, hosting concerts of church and organ music. The church has undergone several restorations and renovations over the years.
The original Gothic church from the 13th century was destroyed by a fire in 1738. The new church was designed by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, a prominent Czech architect, and built using stone and brick. The church features a cruciform floor plan and a tower with a belfry. The original church had a Gothic design, with a single nave, a narrower presbytery, and a tower on the northwestern side. The current church's design was influenced by the baroque style, which was popular in Europe during the 18th century.
The church has experienced several significant events in its history. A fire in 1738 led to its reconstruction. The church was also damaged by fires in 1778 and 1838, but it was rebuilt each time. In the 1990s and 2000s, the church underwent a major restoration. The church is notable for being the site of the wedding of the parents of Bedřich Smetana, a famous Czech composer, in 1820.
The church's interior is decorated with baroque and classical elements, mainly from the second half of the 18th century. The church features a copper baptismal font from the 16th century and images of the Stations of the Cross from 1860 by the Hořice painter Petr Maixner. The majority of the wooden sculptures from the 18th and 19th centuries are the work of the Novopacký woodcarver Antonín Suchard. The frescoes on the ceiling and walls of the church from the late 19th century are the work of the Novobydžovský painter Ludvík Nejedlý. The altar of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary from the 18th century is a work of the Vlašská school (School of the Ionian Islands).
The church's tower has a belfry and a dome with a cross, which was installed in 1748. The church's façade features an 8-meter-tall Madona statue from 1926, created by the professor Václav Suchomel. The church's interior has five smooth tombstones embedded in the floor, which cover the entrances to the crypts where the remains of the deceased are buried.
Today, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Hořice is a significant cultural and historical monument in the Czech Republic. Its excellent acoustics make it an ideal location for concerts of church and organ music. Visitors can explore the church's interior and admire its baroque and classical decorations. The church's history and architecture make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Czech history and culture.
Historical milestones
- 1738
- The church was damaged by a fire.
- 1778
- The church was damaged by a fire.
- 1838
- The church was damaged by a fire.
- 1926
- A 8-meter-tall Madona statue was installed in the church.
- 1989
- The church was restored to its current state.
Architectural development
The church was built in the 18th century in the baroque style. The original church was a Gothic building from the 13th century that was destroyed by a fire in 1738. The new church was designed by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer and built using stone and brick. The church has undergone several restorations and renovations over the years, including a major restoration in the 1990s and 2000s.
Historical events
The church was damaged by a fire in 1738 and rebuilt in the 18th century.
The church was damaged by a fire in 1778 and rebuilt.
The church was damaged by a fire in 1838 and rebuilt.
The church was restored in the 1990s and 2000s.
Owners
Hořický kostel, Hořický farní úřad
Points of interest
– The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Hořice has a unique feature – its interior has five smooth tombstones embedded in the floor, which cover the entrances to the crypts where the remains of the deceased are buried.
– The church's tower has a belfry and a dome with a cross, which was installed in 1748, and features an 8-meter-tall Madona statue from 1926, created by the professor Václav Suchomel.
– The church has a copper baptismal font from the 16th century, which is a rare and valuable artifact.
Guide
Show guide text
Welcome in front of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Horažďovice. You stand before a unique monument that symbolizes the religious and cultural tradition of this location. The church towers above as a dominant feature of the square, and its baroque design is sure to captivate you.
Let us move through time and reflect on the history of this place. The church was built in the 18th century, but its history goes much further back. In the 18th century, the church was damaged by a fire, leading to its restoration. Another fire struck it in 1778, and once again the church was repaired. A subsequent fire in 1838 again damaged the church, but it succeeded in being restored.
The interior of the church is known for its exceptional acoustic properties, making it an ideal venue for concerts of sacred and organ music. And right now, you can hear how the sound reverberates through the church, creating a unique atmosphere.
Notice the baroque architecture of the church, which is the result of architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer's work. The church has a cruciform floor plan and a tower with a belfry and dome, crowned by a cross. Experience the atmosphere that prevails in the church, resulting from the combination of architecture and history.
Here is something that might interest you. In the church, there are five smooth tombstones embedded into the floor. These conceal entrances to crypts where the remains of the deceased are stored. This is a unique feature that distinguishes this church from others in the area.
Now I invite you to further explore the church and its history. Inside the church, you can see monuments associated with significant personalities, such as Moritz Gustav, Count of Manderscheid. Whether you're here for the first time or have visited the church before, you are sure to find something that will captivate you.
Thank you for your attention and I hope the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Horažďovice has truly captivated you.
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Nearby
The church is located in the center of Hořice, a town in the Královéhradecký kraj region of the Czech Republic. The surrounding landscape is a mix of urban and rural areas, with the nearby Krkonoše mountains.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Hořice Church and Surroundings Tour
1. Kostel Narození Panny Marie (Main Attraction) The Kostel Narození Panny Marie is a beautiful Gothic church in the center of Hořice, a charming town in the Královéhradecký kraj region. This stunning church is a must-visit for its unique architecture and rich history.
2. Historic Town Center ( approx. 0.5 km from the church) Explore the historic town center of Hořice, which features cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and traditional Czech architecture. Take a stroll through the charming streets and discover the town's unique character.
3. Krkonoše Mountains (approx. 10 km from Hořice) The nearby Krkonoše Mountains offer breathtaking scenery and opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. Take a short drive or bus ride to the mountains and enjoy the stunning views and picturesque landscapes.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro
In the spring season, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Hořice is surrounded by blooming trees and flowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere. A specific feature is also the spring lighting, which creates soft and warm light. If you visit the church during the spring season, we recommend coming earlier before larger crowds of tourists arrive. The best time to visit the church is between 9:00-10:00 AM when it's still relatively quiet. Don't forget to dress warmly, as spring weather can still be chilly.
Summer
In the summer season, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Hořice is very popular with tourists, so we recommend coming earlier before crowds gather. The best time to visit the church is between 8:00-9:00 AM when it's still quiet. Summer is also an ideal time for a stroll around the area near the church and exploring nearby parks and greenery. Don't forget to wear sunglasses and an umbrella, as summer weather can be very sunny.
Autumn
In the autumn season, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Hořice is surrounded by beautiful autumn scenery, with trees covered in shades of gold, red, and green. A specific feature is also the autumn lighting, which creates a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. If you visit the church during the autumn season, we recommend coming between 10:00-11:00 AM when it's still relatively quiet. Don't forget to dress warmly, as autumn weather can still be chilly.
Winter
In the winter season, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Hořice is quieter than during other times of the year, making it an ideal time to visit the church. A specific feature is also the winter lighting, which creates a pleasant and calm environment. If you visit the church during the winter season, we recommend coming between 10:00-11:00 AM when it's still relatively quiet. Don't forget to dress warmly, as winter weather can be very cold. Also, note the shorter opening hours of the church in winter.
Visualizations and artistic views
Vizualizace jsou generovány umělou inteligencí a slouží jako inspirace.
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