Kostel svaté Markéty Antiochijské (Podlažice) Church
The church of St. Margaret of Antioch in Podlažice, part of the village of Chrast in the district of Pardubice, is a Roman Catholic temple of Baroque style. To build in the Czech environment is often to grow up in places of an older certificate - this is also the case in Podlažice, where the current church follows the old tradition.
The beginnings of local religious life date back to the twelfth century, when the nobleman Vrbata founded the Benedict monastery. This monastery has served its community for centuries, even though it was counted among Czech monasteries among the poorest. The daily life of monks was simple and modest.
But the time of the monastery ended suddenly and tragically. In 1421, during Hussite enquiries to eastern Bohemia, the monastery was destroyed. The monastery had not been restored and the monastery tradition had long disappeared.
Only in 1696, two hundred seventy-five years later, did the landscape change. The initiative was taken by Jan František z Talmberka, Bishop of Hradec. A new church building began to be built in the Baroque style to replace the lost heritage. The project was implemented with ambition and result - a church that still dominates the landscape - speaks for everything. According to his wish, the Bishop was buried in the temple after his death in 1698.
The Podlažice monastery was implanted in the knowledge of the Czechs mainly thanks to a unique book. Codex gigas, also called the Devil's Bible, is the largest manuscript book in the world. It contains not only the complete transcription of the Bible, but also the Kosmova Chronicles of Czech, various tractates, calendar with obituaries, spells and period records. The most famous is the depiction of a giant devil about half a meter high. This book has a long history, but its connection to the Floorboard Monastery makes this place a promise to the past.
Today, interested in history has the opportunity to become acquainted with the story of the Pložice monastery and church at the City Museum in Chrasti, which purchased a replica of the famous Devil's Bible. Here history comes to life and the reader feels the weight of centuries past.
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
- 1159
- The founding of the Benedict monastery by the nobleman Vrbata
- 1421
- The destruction of the monastery during the Hussite campaign
- 1696
- Beginning of the construction of the present Baroque church
- 1698
- Death of Bishop John František of Talmberk
Architectural development
On the site of the original medieval monastery was built baroque three-boat basilica with front towers. The new building from the end of the 17th century maintains the ground plan of the original medieval building. The overall appearance corresponds to the Baroque style.
Historical events
1159: Establishment of the Benedict monastery; 1421: The destruction of the monastery during the Hussite campaign; 1696: Construction of the present church.
Owners
Irish Catholic Church
Points of interest
- The present Baroque church follows the tradition of the twelfth century, when the nobleman Vrbata founded the Benedict monastery. - The monastery was counted among Czech monasteries among the poorest. - In 1421 the monastery was destroyed during the Hussite campaign to eastern Bohemia. - The construction of the new Baroque temple was initiated in 1696 by Bishop Králové Hradec Jan František z Talmberka, who was also buried in the church. - Codex gigas, the largest manuscript book in the world, is connected to the site, which contains a depiction of a giant devil about half a meter high.
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 Baroque Church of Saint Margaret of Antioch stands in Podlažice, which is part of the municipality of Chrast in the Chrudim district in the Pardubice region. It is a Roman Catholic church and remains a landmark of the surrounding countryside to this day.
Its story begins long before the construction of the church itself. A Benedictine monastery once stood on this spot, founded in the twelfth century by a nobleman named Vrbata. The monastery served until the year fourteen twenty-one, when it was destroyed during the Hussite campaign into eastern Bohemia. It was never repaired.
The new church began to be built in sixteen ninety-six at the behest of the royal court bishop of Prague, Jan František from Talmberg. They built it in Baroque style. The bishop wished to be buried here after his death, and his wish was fulfilled. He died in sixteen ninety-eight.
The Podlažice monastery was among the poorest in Bohemia. Yet it is known far beyond the borders of the country, and that is thanks to a single book. It is the Codex Gigas, known as the Devil's Bible. It is the largest handwritten book in the world. It became famous mainly because of a drawing of the devil, which is almost half a meter tall.
But the book is not merely a curiosity. It contains a transcript of the entire Bible and in addition Cosmas's Czech Chronicle, a number of treatises and shorter writings, and a calendar with records of the dead. We also find in it spells and various contemporary records.
The history of the monastery and the Church of Saint Margaret is presented by the Municipal Museum in Chrast. A replica of the Devil's Bible is also displayed there.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the church of St. Margaret of Antiochian in Podlažice is the early autumn period, when vegetation in the surrounding countryside is best visible and the atmosphere calm. The Baroque architecture of basilica is perfectly illuminated by sunlight at that time, which increases its beauty.
When planning a visit, it is good to bring a camera or a mobile phone for photography. The best places for photography are the interior of the basilica where you can capture baroque decoration and sun rays that penetrate through the windows. Today's light is perfect for shooting around noon.
There is an offer for short walks around the church in Podlažice. It is advisable to visit the remains of the former Benedict monastery, which are nearby and provide an interesting historical context for the church.
For families with children, a visit to the Basilica of St. Margaret of Antiochian is appropriate as it offers a quiet and educational environment. Children can be interested in the history of the monastery and the Baroque architecture of the temple. In addition, the surrounding nature is ideal for short walks and playing in nature.
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: Podlažice, Pardubický 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. 26651/6-940).
For kids
Imagine going back to the past... Until the Christian Church was still young and growing like a tree. And it was at that time, in the city of Podlažice, that the church of St. Margaret of Antioch stood.
This place was once home to many people who lived, worked and prayed here. They were farmers, businessmen, craftsmen... They all had their own stories and their own secrets. And here, in this church, important meetings and prayers were held.
Businesses nearby
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Z magazínu
Nearby
Chrast, part of the village Chrast, in the district of Pardubice
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
1. Church of St. Margaret of Antioch (Basilica) - Explore the interior and architectural details of this important building. Instead, they capture you with their spiritual atmosphere and artistic processing. 2. The reservoir of the church (area) - Take a walk around the building and observe its outer walls. This area offers a quiet environment for an outdoor tour. 3. Church tower (building element) - Admire the details of the tower section and its integration into the overall body of the basilica. This part of the monument represents an important architectural element.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring period, the Church of St. Margaret of Antiochian in Podlažice boasts the bright lighting that today's sunny days bring on roofs and facades. Flowers around the basilica are awakened from their winter sleep, creating the color and lifetime of the surroundings. At this time, the atmosphere is full of hope and recovery. It is advisable for visitors to come early in the morning when the temperature is moderate and the crowds are minimal. A good choice for clothes is light clothes with the possibility to add a vest or coat in case of colder noon.
Summer: Summer offers long days and warm sunny dawn, which increases the attractiveness of St. Margaret's Church for visitors. The atmosphere is full of life with flowering surroundings and the possibility of enjoying natural beauty in the park around the basilica. More visitors may appear this season, especially on Wednesday, so we recommend coming early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Hot clothes with sun protection and sufficient water are crucial for a comfortable visit experience.
Autumn: In the autumn period, the Church of St. Margaret's Antioch offers a unique atmosphere where tree leaves turn into different colors and fall back on the ground. The sunny days are short, but the warm dawn adds a romantic touch to the surrounding basilica. Visit this memory in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the golden rays of the sun and milder crowds. Good clothes for autumn should be several layers to adapt to rapid temperature changes.
Winter: Winter in Podlažice offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere around the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch, when basilica appears in a special light of the moonlight nights. Short days and cold temperatures bring a softer attendance, allowing more personal time to explore the sights. Also remember to protect against wind and snow if the visit takes place during colder days.
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: Petr1888 / 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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