Kostel svaté Máří Magdaleny Church

Welcome to the Rain Mountain. Right now, standing right in front of this impressive body of St. Mary Magdalena's Church, let yourself stop and soak up the atmosphere of this place for a moment. Feel the effect of this baroque building, which stands above the surroundings. It's not just a building made of stone and mortar; He's a monumental witness to history who carries the soul of the entire region. Look at its overall scope. Even when you're outside, just by looking at its structure, you can feel the depth and complexity that awaits you as you enter its space. Feel the calm that rules here, and the nobility that makes you look up to heaven.

To understand why this church is standing right here and why it is so special, we need to go back deep into the past together. The village Deštné v Orlických horách itself has its roots dating back to the dark centuries, as its foundation can date back to the 14th century. For centuries, this country has been home to many generations, but a fundamental turning point in its history occurred in the year sixteen-seventy-six, when the estate became the property of the mighty House of Lords of the Kolowrat. It is these nobles who have become guardians of this place and their influence and ambition are reflected in every detail of the surrounding countryside. Before this Baroque church, which you see before you, there was an original Gothic temple, which was mentioned in the 14th century. With time, however, the old Gothic building stopped responding to the needs of the time and the nobility that the locals and nobles wanted. So there was a decision that changed the face of the entire rainy. Between 17 and 27, twenty-five, this present Baroque building was built, which was to be a symbol of a new era and an expression of deep faith.

Now pay attention to the architecture itself. Look at its shapes and how it integrates into the surrounding space. Although we cannot rely on any archive report that clearly confirms the name of the creator, the architecture of this place speaks in a very clear and strong voice. All the characters you see here point to the manuscript of Master John Blazej Santini-Aichel. His style is almost undoubtedly recognizable in this construction. It's a style that works with depth, geometric precision, and uses space in such a way that the building immediately consumes you. Notice how the church decomposes. Its depth disposition creates a sense of constant movement and space. And now think about what is absolutely fascinating for Baroque architecture - the game of inner and outer shapes. If you went inside the church later, you would have come across a geometric unique. The presbytery of the church has a hexagon plan inside. This is a fascinating detail that points to the builder's championship. But watch out, that's the beauty and mystery of the baroque - what you see from the outside may not be exactly what you find inside. From the outside, the construction works differently than its inner, hexagon geometric base. This dialogue between the external appearance and the internal structure is exactly what makes this church such an extraordinary work.

This magnificent project was not possible without strong will and significant financial support. The main mover of this whole building was Count František Karel II. Libštejnský z Kolowrat. He was a man who saw not only the religious center in this place, but also the symbol of his power and devotion. Thanks to his order, this baroque gem could be created, which is still astonishing. In the history of this place, however, it is not only noble families that are concerned. Names like Ignác Preissler or J. Hartmann are also closely linked to the history of this region and to this sacred place. Feel also that the church was not only a building but a living organism that evolved. In the year seventeen-twenty-nine, the organ settled in its interior, which gave the place sound dimension and spiritual depth. And a few decades later, in the year seventeenth and ninety-one, the statue of the Virgin Mary and the saints was created around the church, which gave the whole place another layer of beauty and religious significance.

And now I want to tell you one thing that still raises questions and deep fascination in this place. Although the architecture of the church is so undoubtedly linked to Jan Blazej Santinim-Aichel, the archives still lack direct, unshakable proof of his authorship. It's like architecture itself is the only evidence we have left. However, this lack of paper confirmation does not mean that the secret is solved. On the contrary, it gives this place a touch of mysticism. You're standing in front of a piece that's basically code. Every detail, every line and every angle tries to say something about their creator, but at the same time, they keep their secrets. It's a fascinating battle between what we can prove and what history allows us to know. It is precisely this uncertainty that makes the church of St. Mary Magdalena a place that must fascinate you constantly and to which you will want to return.

Now that you have a basic idea of what's in front of your eyes, I suggest you continue your search. Let the atmosphere of this place drift. Look at the details that architecture offers you, and see the silence and history that hangs in every corner. Kostel svaté Máří Magdaleny is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, and that is no way. It's a treasure that deserves your full attention and respect. Thank you for spending this moment with us. I wish you a beautiful and inspirational further journey along the historic trail of the Rainy in the Orlich Mountains.