Kostel svatého Bartoloměje (Trhový Štěpánov) Church
The church of St. Bartholomew is dominated by the town of the Central Bohemian Region located approximately 10 km from Vlashimi. It is a one-ship fortified temple, originally built in the early Gothic style of the 13th century, which is now registered as a cultural monument.
The exact origin of the church is different in historical sources. While the usual dating dates are the 13th century, some sources have already attributed it to the 11th or 12th century, others have moved it to the late Gothic era. It is certain that there could have been a temple in Market Stephen for many centuries, because the history of the city dates back to the Middle Ages. Brandenburg wars (1278-1283) became the crucial moment. According to tradition, Bishop Tobias of Bechyn had a fortifying wall built around the church to protect the Brandenans and the thieving knights. The remains of that medieval wall have been preserved to this day. In the first half of the 14th century, the church became a parish, with Henry of the family of the Vranice to Rakovnice.
Around 1704, the Baroque reconstruction brought about greater changes. Gothic windows have been expanded and their arches replaced by modern shapes. The ship was probably raised. The temple passed through the top changes in the 19th century. Between 1856 and 1859, the original wooden top of the tower was replaced by a masonry in a pseudo-gothic style with characteristic tip shields. The tower received a tower clock from the Prague company Kretschmer. In the 20th century, modernization took place: eternal light was installed in 1905, after World War II electricity came and new roof cover, mosaic windows were created in the 1970s and in the 1980s and 1990s general renovation took place with copper sheet and gilded crosses.
Architecturally it is a simple construction without decorating. It is made up of a single ship's space with a five-sided presbytery closed by a cross rib arch. The mass character is determined by a prism tower 31 meters high with a golden ball and crosses at the top. The interior kept elements of Baroque, Rococo and Gothic foundations. The church is surrounded by a stone wall with goals and a niche chapel. At the walls is a cross with the inscription "Praise Christ" dedicated to the year 1890 by the native of Štěpev Jan Frydrý.
Visiting the church I appreciate anyone who is interested in the gradual development of architectural styles in Czech tradition. The Gothic foundations, baroque extensions and pseudogotic innovations of the 19th century form here a survey of several ages of construction. The mighty tower visible has served for centuries the landmark of local life. The remains of the fortifications tell of the medieval dangers faced by medieval communities.
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
- 13th Century
- The creation of an early Gothic church, probably at the site of an older building, perhaps even a fortress.
- 1278-1283
- The position of the fortifications wall around the church by Bishop Tobias of Bechyn during the Brandenburg wars.
- 1704
- Baroque treatment of the church, including expansion of windows and increase of the ship.
- 1856-1859
- Neogotic rebuilding of the tower, where the original wooden part of the walls with sharp shields was replaced.
- 1905
- Installation of eternal light to church.
- 1988-1989
- Renovation of the church, including painting of the interior, new plaster of the facade and covering of the roof with copper sheet.
Architectural development
The original early Gothic church from the 13th century underwent a Baroque reconstruction in 1704, when the windows were changed and the ship increased. In 1856-1859 the tower was neogotically modified and replaced by the original wooden part of the wall with sharp shields. In the 20th century, there were other modifications, such as the installation of electric lighting in 1949, the replacement of the roof with copper sheet in the years 1988- 1989 and the interior art.
Historical events
- The position of the fortification around the church by Bishop Tobias of Bechyne during the Brandenburg wars (1278- 1283) as protection against the Brandenburg.
- Baroque treatment of the church in 1704, including the expansion of windows and an increase of 1.5 meters.
- Neogotic reconstruction of the tower in 1856-1859, when the original wooden part of the wall was replaced with sharp shields.
- Transfer of parish Trhový Štěpánov to parish Hrádek in December 2007.
Points of interest
- St. Bartholomew's Church is a one-ship fortified temple with a five-sided presbytery and a cross rib arch.
- According to tradition, Bishop Tobias of Becyne had a fortifying wall built around the church in the 13th century during the Brandenburg wars (1278- 1283).
- The church tower is 31 meters high and it ends with a golden ball and a cross.
- In the 19th century, the original wooden top of the tower was replaced by a pseudo-gothic construction, with collapsing shields and tower clock from the Prague company Kretschmer.
- The church is surrounded by a stone wall with goals and a niche chapel.
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 Church of Saint Bartholomew rises prominently above all the buildings in Trhový Štěpánov, a town approximately ten kilometers from Vlašimi. It is a single-nave fortified church, originally early Gothic from the thirteenth century. It is a cultural monument.
The exact age of the building is uncertain. Some sources date the church's origin to the eleventh or twelfth century, others to the fourteenth century. It may stand on the site of an original fortress. During the Brandenburg wars between 1278 and 1283, Bishop Tobiáš of Bechyně had a defensive wall built around the church against the Brandenburgians and robber knights. This wall has survived to the present day. Between the church and the fortifications, a cemetery was established, which is no longer in use and the tombstones on it are no longer visible. In the first half of the fourteenth century, the church became a parish church. Its first priest was Jindřich from the family of the vladyki from Vrapic near Rakovnicko.
Around 1704, the church underwent a Baroque renovation. The Gothic windows were enlarged and the nave was probably raised by about one and a half meters. Between 1856 and 1859, the wooden upper part of the tower was replaced by masonry in a pseudo-Gothic style with pointed gables and a pyramidal roof. In 1895, a Neo-Gothic renovation followed. Under the parish priest Rudolf Tichý, the church received a new roof covering and electric lighting in 1948. In 1972, windows with glass mosaics designed by academic painter Josef Jiřička the Younger were added. During the renovation in 1988 and 1989, the roof together with the tower was covered with copper sheeting and both crosses were gilded. At the end of 2007, the local parish was placed under the administration of the Hrádek parish.
An oval enclosure on a gentle slope is defined by a stone boundary wall with two gates and a niche chapel. The southern and western parts of the wall form a high terrace. Some sections of the fortifications have been replaced by walls of adjacent buildings. Behind the fortifications stands a cross with the inscription Glory to Christ. The city was donated this cross in 1890 by Jan Frydrych, a native of Štěpánov and innkeeper in Vienna.
The church is a simple structure with a five-sided presbytery, a sacristy, and a pyramidal tower thirty-one meters high. Three gable sections of the tower contain gilded clock faces from 1883 by the Prague firm Kretschmer. The tower is crowned with a gilded sphere with a cross.
The interior is Baroque and Rococo in style with original Gothic elements. The elevated presbytery is covered with a cross-ribbed vault.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the church of St. Bartholomew is in the morning or afternoon in the summer months when the sun is pleasant and at the same time there is enough natural light in the interior. In summer it is also possible to visit the church during the held services offering a unique experience from the atmosphere of the place. In winter, the visit is suitable in calmer hours when there are fewer visitors outside.
The location is also available by car on the road from Market Stephen. Transport by public transport is possible, check the current connection in the search engine. The church is located in the center of the village, so there is no need for long walk from the stops.
When visiting, take a comfortable shoe, because part of the journey may be rocks. The interior of the church is cold, so bring a light sweater or sweater. If you are planning to take pictures, don't forget the batteries and memory cards, because historical stone elements and light from the windows
The best places for photography are the outer part of the church, especially the prism tower and the five-sided presbytery. It is convenient to photograph in the morning or afternoon light when the light falls directly on the stone details. The interior has interesting Gothic vaults and altar decorations, but photography can be limited.
In the vicinity of the church is worth a visit to the Cross by the walls, located near the church. Another interesting thing is Castle Hrádek, which is located about five kilometres from Market Stephen. For families with children it is advisable to visit the church area where children can explore historical elements and discuss the history of the place.
For families with children it is advisable to prepare some small activity for a visit to the church, such as drawing historical details or searching for differences in Gothic architecture. It is also possible to play in a small area in front of the church. Children will take the experience of the historical environment and the opportunity to move outside.
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: Trhový Štěpánov, Středočeský 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. 33810/2-198).
For kids
Imagine going back 776 years, until Trhový Štěpánov was a young town. The church of St. Bartholomew stood in the heart of the city at that time and was dominated by the whole area.
How did it look here? There were people here who lived for a living in agriculture and trade. The city was surrounded by forests and rivers that provided life force. And then there was a church, like a nice king, guarding the city.
Businesses nearby
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Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route: Church of St. Bartholomew and its surroundings
1. Church of St. Bartholomew * Type: * Baroque parish church from the 18th century with richly decorated interior. It is characterized by rare sculptures and historical organ parts. It is worth visiting for its artistic value and calm atmosphere.
2. Cross at the walls * Type: * Memorial Cross from 1890. A small but symbolic object with the inscription * "Praise Christ" * located near the church. Ideal for short meditation or photography.
3. Castle Hrádek * Type: * Ruins of medieval chateau about 5 km from the village. Although connected to the parish, his history dates back to the 13th century. The visit offers a view of the remains of the fortifications and natural surroundings.
4. Lime by cross * Type: * Old lime growing in the immediate vicinity of the cross. It is a rare natural dominant that gives the place a rustic charm. Suitable for relaxation or natural observation.
* Recommended order: * Start at the church, continue to the cross, then to the chateau and the lime. The route is approximately 10 km long and lasts 2-3 hours.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring of St. Bartholomew's Church in Market Stephen offers visitors a beautiful atmosphere of reviving nature. The sun's rays illuminate the richly decorated interior of the church and at the same time shine on the flowering surrounding greenery, which in this period receives the most lively shades. Nature around the monument is full of new leaves and flowers, which adds to the beautiful landscape. For a visit it is advisable to choose mild clothes because the temperature can be medium with the possibility of cold morning and evening. The best time for a tour is in the afternoon when the sun heats the most and nature gets its full shine.
Summer: Summer in Market Stephen brings long days with abundant sunlight, which particularly highlights architectural details of St. Bartholomew's Church. In this period it is best to come for a tour early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the hottest hours and crowds of tourists. Thanks to the high temperatures recommended suitable clothing with emphasis on lightness and sun protection such as hat or parasol. At night, the city turns into a place of quiet walks under a full moon, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Autumn: Autumn season brings the Church of St. Bartholomew in the Market Stephen a breathtaking flood of colors. Tree leaves turn into different shades of yellow, orange and red, giving the surrounding landscape a magical touch. Sunshine days are often interrupted by cold clouds, so it is good to keep in mind appropriate clothes for different weather. The best times to visit are in the morning or noon before setting the clouds, when the temperature is medium and fewer people visit the memory.
Winter: Winter in the Market Stephen offers the Church of St. Bartholomew a quiet atmosphere where there are fewer visitors and nature covers the snow. Solar lighting particularly emphasizes the architecture of the church and its details during this period, which may be an ideal time for photography. Long winter evenings bring beautiful light effects to the surrounding countryside. For a visit it is necessary to choose warm clothes, including hat and gloves, especially if you plan to walk around. The opening times of the monument may be shorter, so it is important to know about the current times before the visit.
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: Jan Sommer / 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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