Kostel svatého Bartoloměje (Smolnice) Church
The church of St. Bartholomew standing in Smolnice in the Louny district has been part of the Czech architectural heritage for over six hundred years. Since 1958 it has been one of the protected cultural monuments, but its construction and development have long been examined with ambiguity. While some researchers assumed Romanesque origin with Gothic elements, only recent dendrochronological research solved the question of his age. On the basis of the analysis of the pine wood of the penetrations cut down in season 1374 / 1375 and the written record of paving in 1382, the construction dates back to the turn of the third and fourth quarters of the fourteenth century. The preserved hambalk crov is one of the two oldest of its kind in Bohemia.
Written references to the church date back to 1338, when the Smolnice belonged to the Bohemian Augustinian people and the local church fell under the Chinese archyrachies. Patronage was given to the Arciahni, canaries of the Prague metropolitan capital. In 1368 he donated a salary to the church from his property Bičen from Brloh, which was probably related to the ongoing construction. During the Hussite wars, the city of Louny Smolnice took over and became the patron saint of the church, where it held non-Catholic priests until 1547. Then Smolnice took turns in the hands of various noble families. In the 1960s, the church became a philic church in Vrbno nad Lesy, but in 1698 Ferdinand of Schwarzenberg restored his status as a parish church.
The construction has a rectangular boat of 9.4 times 13.9 meters with a narrower polygonal presbytery. The ship encapsulated with a nec vault and the presbytery with a crossed rib arch is the oldest part from the turn of the fourteenth century. The square tower with two floors was built later, wood cut down in season 1511 / 1512 was used on the wood of its roof. In 1512, the bell of the Prague bell tower Bartoš, which was later recited during the First World War, came out. The Baroque reconstruction took place between 1740 and 1744, when the arched ship, created by new windows, built a circle and a hall of sacristy. The facade was baroque, too. Between 1788 and 1789, the tower was increased by the bell floor by which the church was completed.
Since the nineties of the twentieth century, the church has been decaying, and his mobility has been falling apart. In 2000, the last mass was held and the monument seemed to be lost. However, the local initiative led to the establishment of the Association for the Rescue of St. Bartholomew's Church in Smolnice in 2005. Thanks to this activity, a thorough repair was carried out between 2006 and 2009. The municipality of Smolnice took ownership in 2010 and concluded a loan agreement with the Land. The church gradually became one of the cultural centers of the village where spiritual and social events take place. In particular, concerts organized here attract visitors from the wide area.
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
- 1338
- The first written mention of the church in Smolnice, which belonged to the Žetek Archyahny.
- 1374 / 1375
- Dendrochronologically documented crov of church from this period, the oldest hambalic crov in Bohemia.
- 1382
- An entry on the laying of tiles in the church, confirming its construction at this time.
- 1512
- Ulit bell in Bartoš's workshop, which was recited during the First World War.
- 1741-1744
- Baroque reconstruction of the church, including bridging the ship and modifications of the facade.
- 1958
- Listed on the list of cultural monuments.
- 2006-2009
- Correction of the church after its rescue and establishment of the Church Rescue Society.
Architectural development
The church was founded on the foundations of the Romanesque predecessor, its core is a boat, presbytery and sacristy from the turn of the 13th and 14th century. The tower was later built up and its crov dates back to 1511 / 1512. The Baroque reconstruction in 1741- 1744 included the embalming of the ship, the construction of a circle, the hall of sacristy and the adjustment of the facade. In 1788-1789 the tower was raised by the bell floor. The construction is made of stone and walled, with typical Gothic elements and baroque accessories.
Historical events
- 1338
- The first written mention of the church in Smolnice, which belonged to the Žetek Archyahny.
- 1382
- The documented construction of the church on the basis of a record of the laying of tiles and dendrochronological research.
- 1512
- Ulit bell in Bartoš's workshop, which was later recited during the First World War.
- 2006-2009
- Correction of the church after its rescue and the establishment of the Society for the Rescue of St. Bartholomew's Church.
Points of interest
- Church of St. Bartholomew is one of the oldest preserved objects with hambalk roof in Bohemia, which dates back to the turn of the 14th century.
- The original building was dated only recently by dendrochronological research, which used the analysis of spruce wood from 1374 / 1375 and the record of the tile from 1382.
- During the Hussite wars, Smolnice became part of the city of Loun, which held a non-Catholic priest until 1547.
- In 1512, Prague bell tower Bartoš wrote a bell, which was later recited during the First World War.
- The church underwent baroque modifications between 1740 and 1744, when the boat was expanded, the crust was built and the facade was baroque.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Church of Saint Bartholomew in Smolnice in the Louny region is among monuments whose age experts have long debated. Some looked for remnants of Romanesque construction in the tower, while others placed the church as late as the second half of the fifteenth century. It was only the most recent research that settled the matter. The spruce beams of the roof come from wood felled in the season of thirteen seventy-four to thirteen seventy-five, and there is a report from thirteen eighty-two about the laying of the floor. The church thus originated at the transition between the third and fourth quarters of the fourteenth century. Its preserved hammerbeam roof is one of the two oldest in Bohemia.
But an earlier church stood on this site already. It is first mentioned in writing in thirteen thirty-eight, when Smolnice belonged to the Roudnice Augustinians. In thirteen sixty-eight, Bičen of Brlohu donated to the church an income from an estate at Hříškov, which apparently was connected to the new construction. Patronage at that time was held by the Žatec archdeacons, canons of the Prague metropolitan chapter. At its head until thirteen seventy-five stood Beneš Krabice of Veitmile, chronicler of Charles the Fourth and director of the construction of Saint Vitus Cathedral.
During the Hussite Wars, the city of Louny seized Smolnice and until fifteen forty-seven stationed non-Catholic priests there. Then various noble families took turns holding the village. In the sixties of the seventeenth century, the church became a subsidiary to Vrbno nad Lesy. Ferdinand of Schwarzenberg restored its status as a parish church in sixteen ninety-eight.
The oldest parts are the nave, the presbytery and the sacristy. Above the sacristy, a tower for a bell later grew up, which in fifteen twelve was cast by the workshop of the Prague bellfounder Bartoš. During the First World War, the bell was confiscated. Between seventeen forty and seventeen forty-four, the church received a Baroque appearance. The nave was vaulted, the windows and façade were altered, and a gallery was added. Between seventeen eighty-eight and seventeen eighty-nine, the tower was heightened by a bell chamber.
The rectangular nave measures nine point four by thirteen point nine meters and is covered by a barrel vault. The narrower multi-sided presbytery and sacristy on the ground floor of the tower have rib vaulting. A spiral staircase leads to the first floor of the tower, and it partially projects from it.
The church gradually fell into disrepair. In the nineties, part of the furnishings were stolen and in two thousand the last mass was held here. Five years later, local residents founded an association for its preservation, and between two thousand six and two thousand nine, repairs took place. Since twenty ten, the church has belonged to the municipality and the association holds spiritual and social events in it, mainly popular concerts.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the church of St. Bartholomew in Smolnice is during spring and summer months when the outdoor light is pleasant and the monument is surrounded by greenery. In June and July you can visit the church even during the ceremonial services that take place here. In winter the visit is quieter, but some parts of the church may be less illuminated, which reduces the possibilities of photography.
The location is also accessible by public transport; the current connection can be found in the traffic search engine. It is recommended to arrive by car because the church is located in a quiet village and is a bit remote from the main roads.
When visiting, wear a comfortable shoe because the church and its surroundings are uneven in some places. It is also convenient to take a small umbrella or raincoat because the church is located in an open landscape and the weather can change quickly. If you are planning to take pictures, also bring a higher resolution lens for detailed images.
The best places for photography are the interior of the church, especially the Gothic elements such as portals and vaults, as well as the Baroque altar from the 18th century. The best light for outdoor photography is in the morning or in the evening when the sun shines oblique and creates interesting shadows. In the interior the light is sufficient, but for detailed pictures you can use your own lightning.
In the vicinity of the church is worth a visit to the church of St. Lawrence in Vrbna nad Lesy, which was previously connected to the church in Smolnice. This filial church is only a few kilometres away and offers a similar historical atmosphere. Another interesting thing is the Baroque chateau in Vrbno nad Forests, which was the seat of various noble families and is about 3 km from the church.
For families with children, a visit to St. Bartholomew's Church is interesting thanks to its historic atmosphere and the possibility to become acquainted with the architecture of various periods. Children can see Gothic stone work and Baroque decoration. In the vicinity of the church is also the possibility of walking around nature, which can be an interesting addition to the visit for children.
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: Smolnice, Ústecký 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. 43357/5-1424).
For kids
Imagine going back to when the Czech Republic began to build. We are located in the small village Smolnice, where today stands the beautiful church of St. Bartholomew.
It was like in a game when you were little and your mansion was a little home. So imagine you're a small inmate in this village who was full of life and work. Whereas the church of St. Bartholomew stood right in the middle of the village as if it were her heart.
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:
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route: Baroque spirit of northwest Bohemia
1. Church of St. Bartholomew in Smolnice * Main destination of the route. * Baroque church from the 18th century with richly decorated interior and historical tombstones. It is worth visiting for his architecture and connection to the surrounding parish communities.
2. Chateau in Vrbna nad Forests * Approximately 3 km from Smolnice. * Baroque residence with rich history, which belonged to important noble families. The visit will reveal the beauty of the noble residence and its cultural importance.
3. Church of St. Lawrence in Vrbno nad Forests * In the immediate vicinity of the chateau. * Filial church, which in the past fell under the parish Smolnice. His visit will complement the historical context and show links between the two municipalities.
The route combines spiritual and noble monuments in a picturesque landscape where the religious and cultural history of the region meets.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring In the church of St. Bartholomew in Smolnice, natural colors shine - green meadows, blooming oak trees and the first sun rays that illuminate the interior with bright shadows. The atmosphere is quiet, full of air smoke from the fire in the side chapels, which connects to the fragrant flowers around the church. At this time it is advisable to visit the memory early in the morning before the crowds begin to gather, or in the morning when the air is clean. Clothes should be comfortable, but also warm - not yet heated in nature, and the church often keeps a colder temperature. Don't forget the light slices on the clothes, because rain showers are common these days.
Summer The main summer season is a church full of life, but also crowds who come here for trips or for local events. The interior lighting is more intense, thanks to the sunny light that penetrates glass windows, and there are often concerts or lectures at night. The best time to visit is early afternoon, when the temperature is pleasant and the crowds are beginning to disperse. Suitable clothes should be light, but with the possibility of sun protection - hat or scarves are suitable accessories. Due to the high temperature, it is advisable to bring water and light snacks.
Autumn Autumn brings a special calm atmosphere to the church, when light turns into golden and red tones, and nature prepares for winter sleep. In the interior, candles or candles are often lit, which gives the place romantic and quiet comfort. At this time it is advisable to visit the memory in the morning when the air is clean and the crowds are less numerous. Clothes should be warm but also comfortable - at night the church can keep a cooler temperature, and on the outdoor walk it is advisable to have the top layer. Watch out for rain that is frequent at this time.
Winter In winter, the church of St. Bartholomew in Smolnice is a magical place where the Christmas spirit emerges. In advent time, there are often Christmas candles and decorations that create a magical atmosphere. It is warm and comfortable in the interior, but it is cold outside, so it is advisable to visit the memorial at the time when the opening time is longest - usually in the afternoon. Suitable clothes should be warm, with a top layer that protects against cold. In winter it is also typical that visitors come here rather in smaller groups, so it is possible to enjoy a quiet tour without crowds.
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: Jirka Dl / CC BY-SA 4.0 — 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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