Kostel svaté Markéty (Kralovice) Church
The Church of St. Margaret in Kralovice is a filial church situated on a hill above the village of Kralovice, near Prague. It is a cultural monument and a significant historical site, notable for its Renaissance tower and the legend surrounding its construction. The church has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, with the first recorded mention in 1364.
The church's origins are tied to the Přemyslid stronghold Šance, where the daughter of King Charles IV and his wife, Jitka, was born. According to legend, the king had the site converted into a church in gratitude to St. Margaret of Antioch. The church's historical context is closely tied to the reign of King Charles IV, a prominent figure in Bohemian history.
The Church of St. Margaret features a massive four-sided Renaissance tower with crenellations. The tower was likely shortened by one floor during the baroque reconstruction in 1739. The church was rebuilt in 1865 and received a new roof, and the tower and pews were renovated. The church's interior boasts a unique Renaissance-style tower, a notable feature of the building.
The church has undergone several significant changes throughout its history. In 1739, it underwent a baroque reconstruction, which included the renovation of the tower. The church was also restored in 1865 and again in 2002-2003. The interior has suffered damage from several break-ins, resulting in the theft of several small sculptures.
The church's horticultural significance is notable, with a baroque mausoleum and three chapel tombs, including secessionist tombs of the Jedličkovy and Rathouzský families and a neo-Renaissance tomb of the Krejčíkovy family. The oldest preserved tomb dates back to 1877.
Today, the Church of St. Margaret is a place of worship, with a mass held every Saturday with Sunday validity. The church is open to visitors and is worth visiting for its unique architecture and historical significance. Its Renaissance tower and baroque mausoleum make it a notable example of Czech architecture, and its legend surrounding its construction adds to its charm.
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
- 1364
- First mentioned
- 1739
- Baroque reconstruction
- 1865
- Restoration
- 2002-2003
- Restoration
Architectural development
The church features a massive four-sided Renaissance tower topped with crenellations. The tower was likely shortened by one floor during the baroque reconstruction in 1739. The church was rebuilt in 1865 and received a new roof, and the tower and pews were renovated.
Historical events
First mentioned in 1364
Baroque reconstruction in 1739
Restoration in 1865
Restoration in 2002-2003
Points of interest
– The Church of St. Margaret in Kralovice is said to be built on the site where the daughter of King Charles IV and his wife, Jitka, was born, which is connected to the Přemyslid stronghold Šance.
– The church's tower was likely shortened by one floor during the baroque reconstruction in 1739, which changed its original appearance.
– The church has undergone several significant changes throughout its history, including the restoration in 1865 and again in 2002-2003, which aimed to preserve its historical significance.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome! You are standing in front of the Church of Saint Margaret in Kralovice, which is located on a hill above the village. The church is a filial church and lies at the site of the former Přemyslid castle Šance. The church is a cultural monument and its history is full of interesting stories.
Let's step back into the past. The first mention of the church dates from 1364. At that time, the church was part of the Přemyslid castle Šance, which was the center of power for the royal family. According to legend, the church was built on the site where a daughter of King Charles IV and his wife Jitka was born. The king wanted to build the church as thanks to Saint Margaret, who was the patron saint of his daughter.
Now pay attention to the architecture of the church. The church has undergone several reconstructions, but its baroque appearance dates from 1739. Notice that the tower of the church was probably shortened by one floor during this reconstruction. Take a look at the façade of the church where you can see the beautiful baroque frontage.
The Church of Saint Margaret is associated with many interesting stories and personalities. According to legend, here was born a daughter of King Charles IV and Jitka, but also here resided one of the most significant figures of medieval Prague - Jitka z Lipé. She was the wife of King John of Luxembourg and mother of future Emperor Charles IV.
You are standing in front of a church that has many secrets and stories. Choose which ones you would like to explore further. Now you can continue with your tour of the church, explore its interior, and learn more about its history.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Church of St. Margaret in Kralovice is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding nature is in full bloom.
The church is easily accessible by car, and there is a large parking lot available near the entrance. You can also use public transportation, with the nearest bus stop located in the village of Kralovice.
It's a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes, as you'll need to walk up a small hill to reach the church. Additionally, bring a camera to capture the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
The best spots for photography are around the church itself, where you can capture the stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. The best light is in the late afternoon, when the sun casts a warm glow over the scene.
If you're looking for something to do nearby, consider visiting the nearby village of Kralovice, which offers a charming atmosphere and traditional Czech cuisine. Alternatively, explore the surrounding countryside, where you can find several hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
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Events nearby
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Nearby
The church is located in the village of Kralovice, near the city of Prague.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Kralovice Village Tour
1. Kostel svaté Markéty (Kralovice) - This historic church is the main attraction of the tour. It's a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and a must-see for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. 2. Kralovice Village Square - The village square is a charming spot to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere. You can grab a coffee or snack at one of the cafes and take in the sights and sounds of the village. 3. Kralovice Pond - This small pond is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the village. Take a stroll around the pond and enjoy the scenery. 4. Kralovice Cemetery - This historic cemetery is the final resting place for many of the village's residents. Take a moment to reflect on the history of the village and its people. 5. Kralovice Village Hall - This historic building has served as the village hall for centuries. Take a look inside to see the traditional architecture and decor.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro: In the spring season, St. Margaret's Church in Kralovice is surrounded by flowers and greenery, creating a pleasant atmosphere. It is also specific for its lighting, which can be slightly dazzling during spring. Practical tips: you can visit at your leisure, but we recommend visiting the church early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds of tourists. Don't forget to dress in sun-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes for walking around the area.
Léto: During the main summer season, St. Margaret's Church in Kralovice is very popular with tourists, so it's best to get there early in the morning to avoid crowds. It is specific for its warmth and sunlight that illuminates the interior spaces of the church. Practical tips: don't forget to bring water and dress in heat-appropriate clothing, as it can be quite warm inside the church during summer months.
Podzim: In autumn, St. Margaret's Church in Kralovice is surrounded by the colors of fall nature, creating a pleasant atmosphere. It is also specific for its lighting, which can be slightly darker during autumn. Practical tips: you can visit at your leisure, but we recommend visiting the church early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds of tourists. Don't forget to dress in clothing suitable for cool autumn nights.
Zima: In winter, St. Margaret's Church in Kralovice is closed and only open for limited hours. It is specific for its dark and cold weather, which requires warm clothing and good footwear. Practical tips: don't forget to dress warmly, and since the church is only open for limited hours, we recommend visiting it early in the morning or late afternoon.
Visualizations and artistic views
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Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
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Atmosphere of the place
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Sources and literature
Fotografie: gampe / CC BY-SA 3.0 — 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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