Kostel Proměnění Páně (Pacelice) Church
Church Transformation The Lord stands on the top of Křisovec near the village Pacelice, which is part of the village of Zdravoretice in Strakonice. It is a Baroque pilgrimage church, which was declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic in 1958. His fates are an example of how the Czech sacral buildings switch off to the heavens and then their forces plunge into the earth.
Originally there was a smaller chapel. In the 1960s, however, it was replaced by a new Baroque church. It was built by Countess Marie Alžběta Serenyiová, who deserved the project. The church was probably built according to the plans of architect K. I. Dientzenhofer or his pupils between 1763- 1765. Dientzenhofer was one of the most important Czech baroque builders, and although it is not quite clear in the available sources which of the members of the famous family or their school participated in the project, the fact that it is involved suggests the ambitions with which the Serenyi family approached the construction.
The pilgrimage place soon became known, and at the time of its glory it attracted believers from the surroundings. This period of prosperity, however, lasted only until the reign of Josef II, which limited pilgrimage and French-лигие practices. Gradually, the church went into decline and his condition deteriorated considerably. Only in 1938 did JUDr. Novák, the owner of the nearby greasy chateau, who tried to partially save the building, deserve to repair it.
Although the church was once repaired, his fate remained uncertain. Today it is in a state of emergency - the roof is leaking, the internal plaster is fallen, the windows are knocked out and the entrances are set. For years, the church had the ownership of Omnium, whose founder was Jakub Děd. In 2019, the association received a grant of CZK 600,000 from the Ministry of Culture for repair, but it used the money differently and violated the conditions of support.
A major turnaround has come in recent years. In 2022 a new association of Križesovec z .s. was founded, to whom the goal was taken back to life. After years of effort he managed to acquire the church into his possession - 25 September 2024 in České Budějovice the purchase contract was signed with the insolvency administrator who represented the bankrupt company Omnium. The church has acquired a new owner who is going to work with him.
Today, access to the monument is limited due to its emergency condition. For lovers of architectural history and stories of Czech pilgrimage sites, however, the church is an interesting lesson about how the fate of buildings changes with social development - and how new interest and will of locals can give hope of saving them.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
Then
Now
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1763
- The beginning of the Baroque Church
- 1958
- Declaration for the cultural monument of the Czech Republic
- 2024
- Transfer of ownership to Křisovec z .s.
Architectural development
There was originally a small chapel, which was replaced by a Baroque church in the 1960s. The building has a monumentally shaped shield facade with moldings and preserved internal vaults.
Historical events
1763-1765: church construction, 1938: repair under the direction of JUDr. Nováka, 1958: declaration for cultural monument, 2024: takeover of the church by Křisovec z.
Owners
Marie Alžběta Serenyiová, JUDr. Novák (1938), Omnium Association, Křisovec Association (2024).
Points of interest
- Baroque pilgrimage church on the hill Křisovec was declared a cultural monument of the Czech Republic in 1958. - Construction from 1763- 1765 was probably created according to the plans of architect K. I. Dientzenhofer or his pupils. The Countess Marie Alžběta Serenyiová deserved to build a church. - In 1938, JUDr. Novák, owner of the greyhound chateau, was responsible for the partial rescue of the building. - The church acquired a new owner on 25 September 2024 in company Križesovec z .s.
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 Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord stands on the Křesovec hill near the village of Pacelice, which is part of the municipality of Škvořetice in the Strakonice district. It is a baroque pilgrimage church and has been protected as a cultural monument since 1958.
Originally, a smaller chapel stood here. In the 1760s, it was replaced by a new church, apparently built between 1763 and 1765. The countess Marie Alžběta Serenyiová was instrumental in its construction. The plans were probably drawn up by the architect Dientzenhofer, or possibly his students.
The fame of the pilgrimage site did not last long, only until the reign of Joseph the Second. The church then gradually fell into disrepair. It was not until 1938 that Doctor Novák, the then owner of the Škvořetice château, undertook repairs.
Today the church is in a dilapidated state. The roof leaks, the interior plaster is peeling off, the windows are broken and the entrances are bricked up.
The property circumstances also took their toll on its fate. The church was previously owned by the Omnium association. In 2019, it received a subsidy of 600 thousand crowns from the Ministry of Culture for church repairs. However, the money was used differently, which violated the subsidy conditions, and it was not returned. The association owed millions of crowns and ended up in bankruptcy.
In 2022, the Křesovec association was founded in Pacelice and Škvořetice with the goal of saving the church and bringing it back to life. After almost two years, it managed to acquire the church. The association signed the purchase agreement with the insolvency administrator of the bankrupt Omnium association in České Budějovice and after registration in the land register, it has been the new owner of the church since September 25, 2024.
Tips for visitors
Best time to visit the church The change of the Lord in Pacelice is autumn or spring, when the regions are usually the sweetest and best lit. This time of year offers ideal conditions for a view of the surrounding panoramic view, especially from the top of Křisovec.
We recommend checking the current connection with a search engine or local tourist office.
What to take with you: Don't forget to wear shoes suitable for walking on hilly terrain and clothing matching current weather. Photos of the views here are unforgettable, so bring your camera or camera.
Photography: The best places for photos are around the hill Křisovec. The morning light is ideal for capturing Baroque architecture of the church and landscape panorama. The views here can be particularly impressive in sunny weather.
What to visit in the area: If you have more time, we recommend to explore also the nearby municipalities of Pacelice and the Damages River. These places offer historical character and the possibility of relaxing moments in the natural environment.
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. According to the heritage register the structure is in poor condition – do not enter it and take care nearby.
Where is the monument?
Location: Pacelice, Jihočeský 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. 13931/3-4398).
For kids
Imagine going back to the past. Where would you like to be? In Pacelice, in the beautiful church of the Lord's Change!
This place is like a fairy tale. He's standing in the middle of the woods looking like a rock with windows. But it's not a rock! It's a beautiful church that people built a thousand years ago.
A lot of people lived here at the time. They were farmers who took care of animals and fields, but also artisans who built houses and churches. You think these people live in another country? No! They lived right here in this place.
Businesses nearby
Do you run a restaurant, accommodation, shop, museum, rental, wellness or other visitor service near this monument? Show yourself directly to the people heading to it — this is how they will see you in the app and on the web:
Nearby
The upper part of Křisovec, the municipality Pacelice and Škvoretice.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route around the Church of the Transformation of the Lord in Pacelice
1.Kostel Proměnění Páně (Pacelice) * Type: * Historical landmark * Why is it worth a visit: * This Baroque church is an architectural pearl of Pacelic, which attracts its history and beautiful interior decoration. It is an ideal place for those interested in the history of the Czech Baroque.
2. Mount Křisovec * Type: * View peak * Why is it worth a visit: * Shortly after exploring the church, go to Křisovec, where you will have a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. This peak is an ideal place for relaxing and using the natural environment.
3. Municipality of Pacelice * Type: * City centre * Why is it worth visiting: * Explore the local streets and discover parts of the old square with its historic houses. Visit also local shops and cafés offering authentic gastronomic experiences.
4. Municipality of Damages * Type: * City centre * Why is it worth a visit: * After exploring Pacelic, go to the neighbouring village of Zdravoretice. Here, enjoy the quiet space and look at the local architecture that brings another view into the history of the region.
5. Return to the Church of the Transformation of the Lord (Pacelice) * Type: * Historical landmark * Why is it worth a visit: * After exploring the surrounding villages, go back to the church so that you can enjoy your daily experiences in peace. Perhaps you could go through his interior one more time or take a look at the surrounding courtyard.
This route offers a combination of historical, cultural and natural experiences in the Pacelic region.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring in Pacelice brings an awakening landscape that contrasts with the serious atmosphere of the historical object. Light is usually soft and scattered during this period, often amplified by fog, which gives the surroundings a mystical character. Nature is awakening around the church, leaves are fresh and green, but the surfaces can remain wet after night frost. In practice, spring is the perfect time for a visit, because large groups of tourists are not yet present. It is recommended to dress layered, with emphasis on waterproof top layer because spring weather is unpredictable. The most suitable is to come in the morning when visibility is best and temperatures are pleasant for walking to the monument.
Leto offers the longest days and brightest lighting which reveals architectural details of the church in full shine. Nature is in full bloom, surrounding fields and meadows create a living green scenery, which can be tiring on hot days. The atmosphere is open and sunny, but the main summer season may increase the number of visitors looking for peace. Practical advice includes arriving as early as possible in the morning to avoid heat and possible crowds. Clothes should be light, breathable and sun-protected, including a hat and plenty of drinking regime. The afternoon may be too hot for a comfortable tour, therefore it is better to choose morning or late afternoon time.
Autumn brings dramatic change of color and light, when the golden and red shades of leaves create a breathtaking contrast to the stone structure of the church. Light can be lower and warmer, which underlines the historical character of the building. Nature is slowly calming down, the air is fresh and colder, which gives a visit to a meditative tone. This season is less frequent, which ensures greater privacy and silence. Practically, it is necessary to count on rapidly shortening days and rain possibilities. Clothes should be heat-insulating, with emphasis on dry shoes, because the paths can be slippery from fallen leaves and moisture. The best time is the late morning, when the sun shines oblique and creates the most beautiful shadows.
Winter brings sharp, cold light and often snow cover, which isolates the church from the outside world and creates a quiet, almore sacral atmosphere. Nature is calm, the trees are bare and the sky is usually grey, which underlines the solitude and eternity of the construction. At advent time the surroundings may be quieter, but temperatures are low and light day short. Practical advice focuses on maximum thermal insulation, including gloves, scarves and quality winter footwear. The visit should be planned to the hottest part of the day, usually around noon to minimise the risk of hypothermia. Shorter opening times or restricted access is frequent this season, so it is advisable to check in advance the current conditions and absence of a snow barrier that could make access to the monument difficult.
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.
View from the area
This animation was generated by artificial intelligence from a real photograph of the surroundings. The motion and details are not real footage of the location.
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.
Tips from visitors
No tips yet. Be the first!
Log in and add your tip.
Sources and literature
Photos: Krabat77 / 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
Příběhy a pověsti
Legendy, pověsti a příběhy spjaté s touto památkou
Fotografie návštěvníků
Zatím žádné fotografie. Buďte první, kdo přidá fotografii z návštěvy!
Log in a přidejte svou fotografii nebo hodnoťte.
Za ověřenou návštěvu v aplikaci získáte víc bodů — poznáme podle GPS, že jste na místě.
Reviews and comments