Kostel svatého Jiljí (Železnice) Church
The Church of St. Giles in Železnice is a Roman Catholic church situated in the southern part of the town, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque countryside. This protected cultural monument in the Czech Republic has a rich history dating back to around 1200, when a Romanesque single-nave church of St. John the Baptist was built on the site. The church has undergone several renovations and expansions, blending Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles.
The current structure was rebuilt in the Baroque style between 1727 and 1731, and consecrated on September 3, 1731, as a filial church. Over the years, various renovations and expansions have taken place, including the addition of a new tower in 1852 and the renovation of the presbytery and oratory in 1874. The church's steeple leaned in 1803, but was replaced with a new tower. In 1897, the wooden choir loft was demolished and a new stone one was built, and the entire church was repainted, featuring paintings of St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus, St. Adalbert, St. Prokop, and the Lamb of God on the dome.
The church features a cruciform floor plan with a presbytery, sacristies on either side, and an oratory in the attic. The nave is topped with a tower that was raised by one floor in 1852. The church has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a new tower in 1852 and the renovation of the presbytery and oratory in 1874. The interior is adorned with various artistic elements, including paintings, statues, and vitrae.
The church has been owned by the Roman Catholic Church in Železnice since its construction. Throughout its history, the church has been administered by several priests, including Josef Smetana, Tadeáš Želiška, Antonín Müller, Vincenc Mlejnek, Josef Brož, František Donát, Jan Novák, František Polreich, Josef Uhlíř, Josef David, and Mgr. Josef Kordík.
Some notable events in the church's history include the installation of a křížová cesta in 1837, the purchase of a lamp for the perpetual light in 1884, and the acquisition of a new altar of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1888. In 1893, carved nativity scenes were acquired, and in 1897, the entire church was repainted. In 1927, the main altar was gilded, and the androgynous angels were renovated. In 1969, a new confessional was acquired, and in 1980, the roof was covered with Alukrit.
Today, the Church of St. Giles is a significant cultural and historical landmark in Železnice. Visitors can admire its unique blend of Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles, as well as its beautiful interior decorations. The church is worth visiting for its rich history, stunning architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.
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
- 1200
- A Romanesque single-nave church of St. John the Baptist was built on the site of the current church.
- 1727-1731
- The church was rebuilt in the Baroque style and consecrated on September 3, 1731, as a filial church.
- 1803
- The church's steeple leaned and was initially planned to be demolished, but was replaced with a new tower.
- 1874
- The presbytery and oratory were renovated, and the pulpit was gilded.
- 1884
- A lamp for the perpetual light was purchased.
- 1888
- A new altar of the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary was acquired from Josef Pátý of Pecka, and a statue of St. Anne was purchased.
- 1893
- Carved nativity scenes were acquired.
- 1897
- The wooden choir loft was demolished and a new stone one was built, and the entire church was repainted, with paintings of St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus, St. Adalbert, St. Prokop, and the Lamb of God on the dome.
- 1927
- The main altar was gilded, and the androgynous angels were renovated.
- 1969
- A new confessional was acquired.
- 1980
- The roof was covered with Alukrit.
- 2005
- The rear part of the church was renovated for the exhibition of paintings and photographs.
- 2013
- The northern oratory was renovated.
- 2017-2019
- The church's vault was renovated due to damage to its foundations caused by drought.
Architectural development
The church has undergone several renovations and expansions throughout its history, including the addition of a new tower in 1852 and the renovation of the presbytery and oratory in 1874.
Historical events
Around 1200, a Romanesque single-nave church of St. John the Baptist was built on the site of the current church.
In 1727-1731, the church was rebuilt in the Baroque style and consecrated on September 3, 1731, as a filial church.
In 1803, the church's steeple leaned and was initially planned to be demolished, but was replaced with a new tower.
In 1874, the presbytery and oratory were renovated, and the pulpit was gilded.
In 1884, a lamp for the perpetual light was purchased.
Owners
The church has been owned by the Roman Catholic Church in Železnice since its construction.
Points of interest
– The Church of St. Giles in Železnice has a unique blend of Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles, which is a result of its numerous renovations and expansions throughout its history.
– The church's steeple leaned in 1803, but it was replaced with a new tower, which was raised by one floor in 1852, giving the church its distinctive appearance.
– In 1897, the entire church was repainted, featuring paintings of St. Wenceslas, St. Vitus, St. Adalbert, St. Prokop, and the Lamb of God on the dome, which has become a notable feature of the church's interior.
– The church has been owned by the Roman Catholic Church in Železnice since its construction and has been administered by several priests throughout its history, including Josef Smetana and Josef Kordík.
– In 1927, the main altar was gilded, and the androgynous angels were renovated, adding to the church's rich history and cultural significance.
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 Giles stands in the southern part of Železnice. It is a Roman Catholic Baroque parish church belonging to the parish of Železnice and is a protected cultural monument.
Its history begins around the year 1200. At that time, a Romanesque single-nave church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist was built on this site. Between 1727 and 1731, it was rebuilt in Baroque style. It was consecrated on September 3rd, 1731, initially as a filial church. It has been a parish church since 1751.
The church has a cruciform floor plan. On either side of the presbytery are the sacristies, and above them on the upper floor is an oratory. The nave ends with a tower, which was raised by one story in 1852. Earlier, in 1803, the sanctus bell turret, a small tower on the roof, had tilted. It was supposed to be demolished, but in the end it was replaced with a new turret.
In the 19th century, the church gradually acquired its present furnishings. In 1837, thanks to the priest Antonín Müller, a Stations of the Cross was installed here. Müller served in Železnice for fifty years, from 1821 to 1871. In 1874, the presbytery and oratory underwent repairs and the pulpit was gilded. The following year, the altar of Saint Anne was repaired. In 1888, a new altar of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows by Josef Pátý from Pecky was added, as well as a statue of Saint Anne. In 1893, the church acquired hand-carved nativity figures.
Major changes came in 1897. The wooden choir was then replaced with a new, brick one. The entire church was repainted, and paintings of Saint Wenceslas, Saint Vitus, Saint Adalbert, and Saint Procopius appeared on the cupola, with the Lamb of God in the center. The organs by Josef Kobrle also date from the same year, and they are now newly restored.
The side altars are dedicated to Saint Anne and Saint John of Nepomuk. The church has eight stained-glass windows. They depict, among others, Saint Francis, Saint John of Nepomuk, Saint Edith Stein, Saint Agnes, and Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, the church continued to be renovated. In 1927, the entire main altar was gilded and the angels were repaired. In 2005, they adapted the back part of the church so that art and photography exhibitions could be held there. The most recent major renovation took place between 2017 and 2019. It concerned the ceiling, which had been damaged after drought had undermined the foundations of the building.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Church of St. Giles is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and sunny.
You can check the current schedule on the official website or a journey planner.
It is recommended to bring a camera and a pair of binoculars to capture the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
The best spots for photography are around the church's exterior and interior, especially during the golden hour when the light is soft and warm.
If you have time, consider visiting the nearby rolling hills and picturesque countryside, which offer breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Families with children can enjoy a picnic in the nearby fields or a walk around the church's grounds, which are stroller-friendly.
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: Železnice, Královéhradecký 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. 25275/6-1451).
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Nearby
The church is located in the southern part of Železnice, surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque countryside.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Tour: Railway and its Surroundings
1. Church of Saint Giles (Železnice), church Worth visiting for its unique architecture and historical significance. The Church of Saint Giles is the dominant feature of the village of Železnice, with a beautiful façade and interior space full of interesting details.
2. Courtyard of the Church of Saint Giles, courtyard The courtyard offers a peaceful place to rest and view the church from another angle. It's an ideal spot for photography and strolling around.
3. View of the Surrounding Landscape, view Worth visiting for its unique landscape and panoramic views. The surrounding hills and fields offer beautiful vistas of the nearby nature.
4. Železnice, village Worth visiting for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Czech architecture. The village of Železnice offers an opportunity to explore its historic buildings and visit local shops and restaurants.
Seasonal recommendations
Jaro
In the spring, St. Giles' Church is surrounded by blooming trees and flowers, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The lighting also stands out in bright sunlight. Practical tips: the best time to visit the church is during morning hours when there are fewer people, and suitable clothing should be light and rain-resistant. Given it's springtime, it would be wise to prepare for possible rainy showers.
Léto
During the main summer season, St. Giles' Church is often visited by tourists, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid crowds. The lighting is also frequently featured in the evenings to highlight the church at night. Practical tips: the best time to visit the church is during morning hours or in the evening when there are fewer people, and suitable clothing should be light and sun-resistant.
Podzim
In autumn, St. Giles' Church is surrounded by colorful foliage, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The lighting also stands out in bright sunlight. Practical tips: the best time to visit the church is during morning hours when there are fewer people, and suitable clothing should be warm and cold-resistant. Given it's autumn, it would be wise to prepare for possible rainy showers.
Zima
In winter, St. Giles' Church is often covered in icicles and snow, creating a stunning atmosphere. Practical tips: the best time to visit the church is during morning hours when there are fewer people, and suitable clothing should be warm and cold-resistant. Given it's winter, it would be wise to prepare for possible snow showers.
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
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Sources and literature
Photos: Petr1888 / CC BY-SA 4.0, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — 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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