Kostel svatého Jana Nepomuckého (Hlavňovice) Church
The church of St. John Nepomuk is located near the southwest edge of the village Hlavňovice and is an interesting example of Moravian Baroque sacral architecture. Since 1958, it has been protected as a cultural monument. The village itself has a much longer history - for the first time mentioned in 1428.
Before building its own church, religious services were held in the village only in the chateau chapel. The situation changed at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries when the Kokos of Dobrše had a new church built in the late Baroque style in 1799-1808. The construction took over the liturgical function of the older chateau chapel, which was then abolished. Since its construction, the church has remained practically unchanged. The only exception was to repair the roof of the ship in 1894. This long-standing preservation of the original podlota makes the building a valuable testament to the early 19th century architecture.
The construction solution is particularly remarkable by the unusual orientation of the main longitudinal axis in the north-south direction. The temple consists of a boat with an oblong rectangular plan, to which a presbytery is adjacent on the south side with a transverse rectangular plan and a blunt corner. While the ship has a flat ceiling, the presbytery is encapsulated by the so-called Prussian plaque. The eastern wall of the presbytery is adjacent to the oblong sacristy with an oratory on the floor. The roof is saddled, covered with eternity templates.
The north facade is dominated by a prism tower with a clock, covered with a four-sided needle roof with a shale cover. The entrance portal is rectangular, located in the axis of the north facade, with granite lining and stucco decoration. Above the portal is an oval window designed to illuminate the circle. The ship and the presbytery are lit by four Casualty windows from the east and west side. The last floor of the tower opens rectangular windows with a semicircular key; on the south side the window is only indicated by stucco champagne. The plaster is smooth and stucco, with an interesting difference of appearance between the two sides of the building: the западí side of the boat and the presbytery is decorated with painted strips dividing by four fields, while the eastern side has a simple, unbroken plaster.
The interior dominates the canopy main altar from 1806, decorated with statues of saints Jan Nepomucký, Prokop and Ludmila. Two Neo-Baroque side altars with 19th-century sculptures lie on the sides of the segment triumphant arch. On the side altar dedicated to Saint Anne there are two tin candlesticks from 1710, carrying the coat of arms of the Maltzans - a rare reminder of original equipment.
Today, churches can be visited by a preserved piece of history, which has faithfully preserved its Baroque form and still serves its purpose as a local church.
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
- 1799
- The beginning of the construction of St. John Nepomuk's church.
- 1808
- Complete the church that replaced the function of the cancelled chateau chapel.
- 1894
- Repair the roof of the church ship.
- 1958
- Writing the church into a list of cultural monuments.
Architectural development
The church was built in 1799-1808 in the late Baroque style. The original chateau chapel, used for worship, was cancelled after the church was completed. The construction is made up of a rectangular boat with flat ceiling, presbytery encapsulated by Prussian square and prism tower with clock. The plaster is smooth and stucco, with a significant difference between the western and eastern sides of the ship. The interior is dominated by a canopy main altar from 1806 with statues of saints.
Historical events
- 1428
- The first written mention of the village Hlavňovice, where the services were originally held in the chateau chapel.
- 1799-1808
- Construction of the church of St. John Nepomuk on the site of the abolished chateau chapel.
- 1894
- Repair the roof of the church ship.
- 1958
- Writing the church into a list of cultural monuments.
Points of interest
- St. John Nepomuk's church was built in 1799-1808 in a late Baroque style and still serves as a local church.
- The only major modification since construction was to repair the roof of the ship in 1894.
- The building is oriented in an unusual direction - the main axis is directed from north to south.
- The interior contains a canopy main altar from 1806 with statues of the saints Jan Nepomucký, Prokop and Ludmila.
- There are two tin candlesticks from 1710 with the coat of arms of the Maltzans.
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 John of Nepomuk stands not far from the southwestern edge of the village of Hlavňovice in the Pilsen Region. It is a Roman Catholic church and has been protected as a cultural monument since 1958.
Hlavňovice is first mentioned in the year 1428. For a long time, services were held only in the castle chapel. This changed at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, when the Koc family of Dobrš had a church built in the late Baroque style between 1799 and 1808. The new church took over the role of the castle chapel, which was subsequently demolished after its completion. The building has been preserved in its original form from the early 19th century. The only major alteration was the repair of the roof of the nave in 1894.
The church's orientation is already unusual. Its main axis does not run from west to east, but from north to south. The elongated rectangular nave has a flat ceiling. On the south side, a presbytery with truncated corners adjoins it, vaulted with what is known as a Prussian vault. From the east, a sacristy with an oratory on the upper floor adjoins the presbytery.
Above the northern façade rises a prismatic tower with a clock and a pyramidal roof covered with slate. The entrance leads through a rectangular portal with whitewashed sandstone framing and stucco decoration. Above it is an oval window that illuminates the gallery. The top storey of the tower has windows on only three sides. On the south side, the window is merely suggested by stucco framing.
The façades are also interesting. The western side of the nave and presbytery is decorated with painted stripes that divide it into four fields. The eastern side, on the other hand, has plain unstructured plaster.
Inside, the church is dominated by a baldachin high altar from 1806. It is decorated with statues of Saint John of Nepomuk, Saint Procopius, and Saint Ludmila. On either side of the triumphal arch stand two facing Neo-Baroque side altars with statues from the 19th century. On the altar of Saint Anne are two tin candlesticks from 1710 bearing the coat of arms of the counts Maltzans. They are thus older than the church itself.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit St. John Nepomuk's church in Hlavňovice is during the morning hours when the light is mild and pleasant. Thanks to the late Baroque architecture and unusual orientation of the church, it is advisable to come at a time when the sun illuminates the northern façade, which highlights the details of the facade and interior. In addition, in these hours the place is calmer, which allows a better tour without disturbing crowd.
It is recommended to arrive on the road connecting Hlavňovice to the surrounding villages. It is also recommended to walk as Hlavňovice is a small village and the church is located in the centre of the village.
When visiting take on comfortable clothes and shoes as the church and its surroundings offer walks along a slightly wavy landscape. The interior of the church is cold, so bring a light sweater or coat. For a more comfortable tour, you can also take a small notebook and pencil to make notes about the interesting things that interest you.
Photography is allowed in the church, but it is appropriate to ensure that other visitors are respected. The best places for photographs are the northern and southern facade of the church where its unusual orientation is captured. For quality images is ideal light in the morning or afternoon hours, when the sun lights the facade from angle. In the interior it is advisable to photograph in the natural light which penetrates the windows.
In the vicinity of the church it is worth visiting Castle Hlavňovice, which is connected with the history of the church. Originally there were services in the chateau chapel, which was later converted into a contemporary church. The chateau is just a few minutes' walk from the church and offers the opportunity to know the history of the place. Another interesting feature is the natural landscape of the surrounding area, which is typical of the South Bohemian area with forests and field formations, ideal for short walks.
For families with children, a visit to the church is particularly interesting because of its historical value and pleasant environment. Children can explore the unique architecture of the church and learn more about its history. In the surroundings it is possible to play in nature, as forests and fields offer space for a small adventure. The Hlavňovice Chateau can also be interesting for children, as there is also a small exhibition about local history.
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: Hlavňovice, Plzeňský 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. 31777/4-2899).
For kids
Imagine going back 68 years, until St. John Nepomuk's church was still a new and interesting place in Hlavňovice.
How did it look here? Who lived here? What happened here? At that time, the village Hlavňovice was a small village where people who lived for a living lived in agriculture. It was people who loved nature and loved it when something happened around them. And that's how the neighborhood looked at them - like an amazing theater.
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:
Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
- The chateau, located near the church, is connected to its history as the original services were held in its chapel.
- The church is located in a slightly wavy landscape with forests and field formations typical of south-western Pilsen.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route: Baroque Hlavňovice and their spiritual heritage
1. St. John Nepomuk Church * Main goal - Baroque sacral pearl. * Here you can bow to the memory of St. John Nepomuk and admire the rich interior decoration that reflects the baroque artistic style. The church is also connected with local history and offers a quiet place for meditation in the middle of a picturesque village.
2. Castle Hlavňovice * Original spiritual center of the village. * There is a chateau about 200 metres from the church, whose chapel was used for worship before the church was built. Its architecture and history are closely linked to the development of sacral life in the village. Walk through the chateau will bring you closer to how religious traditions have changed here.
3. Walk the natural landscape surrounding * Green plains and forests as a background. * From the chateau, take the local paths that will guide you through a slightly wavy landscape typical of the south-western Pilsen region. Forests and field formations offer an opportunity to relax and observe the local nature, which complements the calm atmosphere of the village.
This route combines spiritual and historical monuments with the natural surroundings, creating a harmonious visit that reflects the region's wealth.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring In the spring months, the church of St. John Nepomuk in Hlavňovice will turn into a picturesque scenery, when its white facade is reflected in flowering orchards and surrounding meadows will be dressed in green vegetation. The light of the sun, which begins to remain longer in the sky, creates fine shadows on stone walls and highlights the details of Baroque architecture. The air is fresh and full of fragrance of blooming trees, while the church has a quiet atmosphere, ideal for meditation or sightseeing without disturbing crowds. It is practically advisable to visit the memory early in the morning or in the afternoon, when the temperature is pleasant and visitors are not as numerous. It is recommended to wear layered clothes - spring weather can be variable, and in a church where there is no central heating, it can be cold. This period is ideal for photography thanks to bright light and living colors of surrounding nature.
Summer In the summer months, St. John Nepomuk's church offers a unique combination of historical atmosphere and pleasant outdoor environment. Warm sunny days and long evenings allow a tour not only of the interior, but also of the surrounding cemetery and surrounding fields, where fertile areas are spread over the summer months. In the main summer season, however, it is necessary to expect a higher interest of visitors, especially on Sunday and St. Catherine's feast, when the church can be fulfilled. It is recommended to come early in the morning to avoid crowds, and take with you enough water and light clothes to protect from the sun. The interior, where there is often a shadow, is a pleasant temperature, but the outside areas can be hot - therefore it is advisable to carry a hat or hat.
Autumn Autumn brings a calm, almost mystical atmosphere to Hlavňovice, where the church of St. John Nepomuk appears to be a cozy shelter from the cold wind. The golden leaves of trees and grey tones of fields create contrast with the white facade of the church, which appears even cleaner and more pronounced. The air is clean and cold, and there is a specific autumn feel in the church where concerts or exhibitions are often held. Practically, it is best to visit the memory in the morning when the light is softer and the traffic is lower. It is recommended to wear warm but not too thick clothes - the church is cold, but it can be pleasantly cold outside until late afternoon. This period is ideal for photo lovers thanks to contrast colours and a quiet atmosphere.
Winter In the winter months, St. John Nepomuk's church becomes the center of a quiet rural environment, surrounded by a white snow cover and the freezing air gives its stone walls a mysterious atmosphere. Snow turns the surrounding landscape into a fairy tale scenery, while in a church where Christmas concerts or advent services are often held, there is a warm and cozy atmosphere. In winter, however, shorter opening times and possible restrictions on access in times of heavy snow rainfall must be envisaged. It is recommended to visit the memory in the morning when the light is bright and the traffic is lower. Warm but comfortable clothes are necessary - outside can be very cold, while in the interior, where it is heated, is a pleasant temperature. For those who like to pass, it is advisable to have firm shoes together, as the roads can be slippery.
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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