Kostel svatého Jiljí (Úsov) Church
Holy Church Jilje dominates the upper part of the town square and forms a distinctive architectural element under the village chateau. This Baroque building with elements of Classicism was listed on the list of cultural monuments in 1964 and represents one of the best preserved examples of Baroque sacral architecture in Moravia.
The history of the temple goes deeper than its current form suggests. Holy Parish Church The sources are only documented in the 15th century when the older temple was rebuilt. However, the initiation of the church coincides with the name of the first known owner Úsova - Jilyj of Švábenice - which is supposed to have stood here already in the 13th century. In the 17th century the church was very well equipped: it contained two Olomouc bowls, eight chalices, fifteen paintings and many others. The tower was hung by three bells, the oldest of which, with the sign of the lords of Boskovice and Vlashimi, dates back to 1474.
In 1736 the church underwent a major reconstruction according to the design of architect Antonio E. Martinelli at the impulse of Prince Josef Václav from Liechtenstein. A skeleton with a crypt was built in the cemetery. The church was consecrated on 23 June 1741 by the Bishop of Olomouc Jakub Arnošt z Lichtenštejna-Kastellkornu. The interior with three altars was decorated with paintings of Baroque painter Jan Kryštof Handke and Unicovsky painter Ignác Oderlický. The statue of Christ and his disciples on the Mount of Olivet was placed in a wedge near the south wall by the sculptor Ondrej Zahner of Olomouc. In the 17th and 18th centuries it became a building that concentrated the works of the leading artists of its time.
Architecturally, the church is a single-boat oriented building of a rectangular plan with a triangular conclusion. From the south side is connected a low open annex with a semi-circular arcade in which the said sculpture is located. Access leads to a walled two-arm staircase with a built-in chapel; At the foot of the staircase stands a stone cross from 1746 with the Corpus of Jesus Christ. The facade compartmentalizes the mixed lizens and profiled main rims. The square tower with the Mansard roof and double cross carries four bells. The interior features a cylindrical arch with three pairs of lunettes. An organ built in 1885 by the Brauner brothers from Uničov, which was donated by Prince Jan II. z Lichtenštejna as an expression of recognition for a well-executed restaurant, is installed on the ring.
Between 1881 and 1884, the church passed through an expensive restaurant. In 2011, a massive Easter wooden hanger from 1746 was discovered in the tower space, which was traditionally used at Easter instead of bells. After the restoration, he was returned to his post. Today, the church represents the harmonious synthesis of baroque architecture with elements of Classicism and contains a number of valuable works of art that rank it among the important cultural monuments of Moravian territory.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
Then
Now
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 15th Century
- Proof of the parish church of St. Gilje, probably reconstruction of an older chapel from the 13th century.
- 1736
- Opening of the reconstruction of the church according to the design of architect Martinaelli at the initiative of Prince Josef Václav from Liechtenstein.
- 1741
- The consecration of the church by the Bishop of Olomouc, James Arnešt of Liechtenstein-Castellkorn.
- 1964
- Putting the church on the list of cultural monuments.
Architectural development
The church was created by rebuilding an older parish church from the 15th century. In 1736, according to the design of architect Antonio E. Martinelli was rebuilt in Baroque style with elements of classicism. The facade is broken down by lizenas and decorated with stucco cartouches. The interior is well-glazed with rich painting and sculptures. In the 19th century it underwent expensive reconstruction, during which the organ was installed and window fillings were repaired.
Historical events
- 1474
- Prison of the oldest bell with the sign of the lords of Boskovice and Vlashi.
- 1741
- The church was consecrated by the Bishop of Olomouc Jakub Arnošt z Lichtenštejna-Kastellkornu.
- 1881-1884
- Expensive reconstruction of the church and installation of the organ from the Brauner brothers.
- 2011
- Finding and repairing a rare 1746 wood hanger.
Points of interest
- The church of St. Gilji is one of the best preserved Baroque sacral buildings in Moravia.
- The oldest bell dates back to 1474 and bears the mark of the masters of Boskovice and Vlashimi.
- In the 17th century the church was richly equipped with two Olomouc bowls, eighteen chalices and fifteen paintings.
- In 1736 the church underwent extensive reconstruction according to the design of architect Antonio E. Martinelliho.
- In 1746, a stone cross was placed on the staircase with the Corpus of Jesus Christ.
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 Aegidius stands on an elevated site in the upper part of the Úsov town square and together with the castle above it forms the dominant landmark of the small town. It acquired its present Baroque appearance with Classical elements in 1736 through the reconstruction of an older church. Since 1964 it has been a cultural monument.
Sources document the church as early as the 15th century. However, its dedication corresponds with the name of the first known owner of Úsov, Aegidius of Švábenic. It can therefore be assumed that already in his time, in the 13th century, there stood a chapel of Saint Aegidius here, from which the church later developed. In the 17th century it was very richly equipped. It had eight chalices, fifteen paintings on the walls and three bells in the tower. The oldest of them bore the coat of arms of the lords of Boskovice and Vlašimi and was dated to the year 1474.
The reconstruction of 1736 was designed by the architect Antonio Martinelli and was initiated by Prince Josef Václav of Liechtenstein. A charnel house with a crypt was created next to the church at that time. In 1741 the Olomouc bishop Jakub Arnošt of Liechtenstein-Kastelkorn consecrated the church. The paintings for three altars were created by the Baroque painter Jan Kryštof Handke and the Uničov painter Ignác Oderlický. The Olomouc sculptor Ondřej Zahner created a group sculpture of Christ with his disciples on the Mount of Olives. It still stands today in a low open annexe with a semicircular arcade on the southern side of the church.
Between 1881 and 1884 the church underwent extensive renovation. Prince Jan Druhý of Liechtenstein then gave an organ as recognition for the successful work. It was built in 1885 by the Brauner brothers from Uničov and still stands on the stone choir loft today. In 2011 a massive wooden rattle from 1746 was found in the tower. At Easter it replaced the bells. After repair it was returned to the bell tower.
The area is surrounded by a stone boundary wall. A two-armed staircase with a built-in chapel leads to the church. At its foot stands a stone cross from 1746 with a crucified Christ and a statue of the Virgin Mary. On the northern side of the area is a pillar with a statue of the Virgin Mary of Sorrows, also a cultural monument since 2016.
The church is single-nave with a three-sided choir. A sandstone portal with a triangular pediment leads to the front. Above it rises a volute pediment with an oval window, called an ox eye. The prismatic tower has a mansard roof with a finial and a double cross. There are no clock faces on it, it contains four bells. In the side windows rare remnants of infill made of hexagonal glass have been preserved. Inside the nave is vaulted with a barrel vault and lunettes above the windows.
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: Úsov, Olomoucký 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. 27370/8-1166).
For kids
Imagine going back 290 years to the past. You walked in a small village Úsov, which lies deep in the heart of Bohemia. The church of St. Jilji was still young and freshly built. It was a beautiful Baroque church with elements of Classicism that stood over the surrounding trees.
It's like he's standing in the same place today looking at us. There were people who lived in a small village who prayed in church and celebrated their life events. The church was the center of the village where weddings, funerals and other important events took place.
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route: Baroque Gems Úsova
1. Church of St. Gilji * Type: Sacral landmark * Unique Baroque church with rich decoration and historical frescoes, built in the 18th century. Its architecture and artistic details reflect the region's spiritual and cultural heritage.
2. Column with statue of Our Lady of Pain * Type: Cultural landmark * A small but impressive piece from 1746, which complements the religious atmosphere surrounding the church. The statue symbolizes Marian piety and is a rare example of folk Baroque sculpture.
3. Úsov Chateau * Type: Renaissance and Baroque residence * The dominance of the village with a rich history connecting the Renaissance core with baroque modifications. Its location above the town offers picturesque views and interiors with original mobility.
4. Natural Park Úsov Mountains (around the hills) * Type: Natural and tourist path * Wooden slopes and views around Úsova attract for walks with views of the landscape. The park is ideal for relaxing and exploring local nature, which complements cultural monuments.
* The route follows the short but engaging paths between these points connecting the spiritual, historical and natural beauty Úsova. *
Seasonal recommendations
Spring In the spring months, the church of St. Jilje is surrounded by a green dress - the surrounding area is awakened to life when the first flowers of spring plants spread between the old lime and apple trees. The light of the sun, which is reflected from the white plaster of the church, creates fine shadows on the stone details, while in the interior the stained glass and gold ornaments of the altar light. The atmosphere is calm, almost meditative, because visitors are even less numerous than in the summer months. Practically it is advisable to visit the church early in the morning or at noon when the sun lights up the interior most beautifully and the temperature is pleasant for walking around. Comfortable shoes are recommended, because after rainy days the roads to the monument can still be muddy. It is also appropriate to take a light coat or umbrella - spring weather is variable and rain can pass quickly.
Summer In the summer months, especially in the high season, the church of St. Jilje offers a unique combination of historical atmosphere and living nature. The sun's rays fall directly on the facade, highlighting its architectural details, while in the shade of trees around it there is a pleasant cooling. The interior of the church is lit with natural light in the summer hours, which creates a play of colours on the stained glass and highlights the colors of altar paintings. The atmosphere is more lively, as tourists come here, but also local families with children. It is recommended to come early in the morning to avoid crowds or in late afternoon hours when heat is milder. Suitable is light but decent clothes that protect from the sun (hat, light scarf), and comfortable shoes for walking around the surrounding roads. Water and small refreshments are essential in the summer months.
Autumn Autumn brings to the vicinity of the Holy Church Jilje rich palette of colors - red, yellow and brown tones of leaves create contrast with the white facade of the church, while shadows extend in the interior and light turns into warmer, golden shades. The atmosphere is calm and nostalgic, for nature is preparing for winter, but the church remains a living place, especially in advent times when believers come here to worship. In this period it is advisable to visit the memory in the morning when the air is clean and the light still bright. It is recommended to wear warmer clothes because evenings are cold, and waterproof shoes, because after the rains the paths can be slippery. It is also convenient to take a camera - autumn light creates unique photographic moments.
Winter Winter visit to the Holy Church Jilji is like an entrance to another world - a white snow blanket turns the surrounding landscape into a fairy tale scenery, while a church, lit with artificial light or moonlight, seems mysterious and peaceful. The interior is warm and cosy in the winter months, with fine light of candlesticks, which emphasizes details of the painting and altar. The atmosphere is quiet and reflexible, as local visitors mainly come here. It is recommended to visit the church in the morning when the opening time is longer and there is still plenty of light outside. Suitable is warm but comfortable clothes that protect against frost, and waterproof shoes, because the roads can be snowy or frozen.
Visualizations and artistic views
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Sources and literature
Photos: Martin Vavřík / Public domain — 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.
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