Kostel svatého Bartoloměje (Napajedla) Church

The church of St. Bartholomew stands in Napajedlé as a protected monument of the Czech Republic and is a witness to this town. Its construction was started in 1710 by the owner of the then Najedelský estate Adam Jáchym z Rottalu and was completed in 1712. Before the church could be ceremonially consecrated, almost three decades had passed - the ceremony took place only in 1741, when the Bishop of Olomouc, Jakub Arnošt, sanctified it.

The emergence of a new church was not random. The older church of St. Bartholomew was already standing in the city, which was located next to the najedelské fara near the marketplace and town hall. But this original temple, over time, has ceased to meet the growing needs of believers - its capacity was insufficient. It was therefore decided to take it down and erect a new temple in its place. Interestingly, the new church kept the same name as its predecessor, thus building on an old tradition.

Although it was constructed as a new building, St. Bartholomew's Church retains the legacy of its history. The most famous memories inside are two Renaissance tombstones - Bedřich and Bartholomew from Žerotín, which are embedded in the wall on both sides of the main entrance. These rare pieces were not originally part of the new building, but were carefully transferred from the original, demolished church, thereby preserving their historical continuity and value.

In addition to these decorated tombstones, there is another burial ground set in the floor under the new pavement. Many are now partly hidden under church benches, which also indicates how space use has changed over the centuries.

In the first third of the right side of the church leads the entrance to the old crypt. Today it is not open to the public, but according to tradition, the remains of seven gentlemen from Žerotín and two members from the genus Vartemberk were allegedly transferred to its underground premises. These last remnants of centuries-old history lie hidden beneath the floor, reminiscent of the rich feudal history of the surrounding estate.

The church of St. Bartholomew is thus a testament to the long continuity of religious life in Napajedlé. Although its external appearance is younger, even relatively young, compared to European temples, it contains elements that bind it to a deeper past - the Renaissance period, the interesting personalities of local nobles and the quiet final resting place of those who shaped the fates of these regions. For the visitor of Napajedel it represents a fascinating combination of architectural monuments and storage of memory of previous generations.