Kostel svatého Matěje Church
The Saint Matthew Church in Turnov is a Gothic-style church with centuries of history, offering a serene atmosphere and rich cultural significance. Situated in a hilly area, the church's tranquil setting and preserved features make it an attractive destination for those interested in Czech heritage.
Originally built as a Gothic church, it underwent Baroque renovations in the 18th century's first half. After a fire in 1894, the church was rebuilt and renovated again. The church's architecture is characterized by a single-nave oblong structure with a square presbytery featuring a cross-vaulted ceiling. The west tower is a single-story, four-sided structure.
The interior features Rococo-style decoration from the 18th century's second half. The main altar painting of St. Matthew dates back to 1894. Original Gothic architecture can still be seen in some parts of the building, while Baroque renovations have left their mark on the church's overall design.
The surrounding area has a rich history, with evidence suggesting it was once home to a medieval settlement called Hruštice, dating back to Turnov's beginning. The church itself is a testament to cultural and architectural changes in Bohemia during its construction.
Today, the Saint Matthew Church remains an integral part of Czech heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the country's rich history and architecture. Its peaceful atmosphere and preserved features make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the country's cultural treasures.
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
- 1350
- Construction of the Gothic church began
- 1750
- Baroque renovations took place in the first half of the century
- 1894
- Fire damaged the church, leading to rebuilding and renovation
Architectural development
The church features a single-nave oblong structure with a square presbytery, which has a cross-vaulted ceiling. The west tower is a single-story, four-sided structure.
Historical events
Originally built as a Gothic church, it underwent Baroque renovations in the 1st half of the 18th century; after a fire in 1894, it was rebuilt and renovated again
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 Roman Catholic subsidiary church of Saint Matthew in Hrušticích stands in the cemetery above this city district of Turnov. As a cultural monument, it has been protected since 1964.
The church was originally Gothic. Baroque modifications came gradually. In the first half of the eighteenth century, it received a Baroque appearance in its roofs. The vaults and ground floor were modified in the Baroque style only after the fire in 1894.
It is a single-nave rectangular structure with a square presbytery, that is, the space around the main altar. A square sacristy, vaulted with a cross vault, adjoins it on its northern side. To the west rises a massive prismatic tower with one story. Exterior walls are divided by pilasters, that is, vertical flat strips in the masonry. Windows are arranged on three axes and at the top they are closed by a shallow arch. The nave is covered by a coffered ceiling, the presbytery by a barrel vault with lunettes.
The interior furnishings are in the neo-Renaissance style and were acquired after the fire in 1894. The main altar painting of Saint Matthew by Josef Matthausser dates from the same year.
Very little of the old furnishings that were here before the fire has survived. These are Rococo statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul from the second half of the eighteenth century. Further preserved are freely painted colored sculptures of Saint Ludmila and Saint Agnes from the first half of the eighteenth century. They stand on consoles in the main nave.
Tips for visitors
Best Time to Visit: The Saint Matthew Church is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and sunny. This allows you to fully appreciate the church's architecture and surroundings without the crowds that come with peak tourist season. What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the surrounding area. A camera is also a must-have to capture the stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. Photography: The best spots for photography are around the church's exterior, particularly during sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and golden. Be mindful of any restricted areas or signs indicating no photography allowed. What to See Nearby (30 minutes away): Turnov's historic town center offers a charming atmosphere with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. The nearby Liberec region also boasts beautiful parks and gardens worth visiting.
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: Hruštice, Turnov, Liberecký 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. 14994/6-2837).
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
Located on a hilltop near the former medieval settlement of Hruštice, this area is part of Turnov's historical landscape. The site includes a cemetery and surrounding walls.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
Affiliate link: if you buy from the partner, we may receive a commission. The price for you does not change.
Search tours and activities →Themed route
Turnov Heritage Trail
The trail takes you on a journey through the charming town of Turnov, with its rich history and cultural heritage. The main attraction is the Kostel svatého Matěje, a beautiful church that stands out for its unique architecture.
1. Town Square: Start your journey at the Town Square, where you can admire the stunning Gothic Revival-style Town Hall and the ornate fountain. Take a stroll around the square to soak up the atmosphere. 2. Baroque House: Head to the nearby Baroque House, a beautiful example of 18th-century architecture with intricate stone carvings and ornate windows. Learn about its history and significance in the town's cultural heritage. 3. Kostel svatého Matěje: The highlight of your journey is the stunning Kostel svatého Matěje, a church that dates back to the 14th century. Admire its unique architecture, including the ornate tower and beautiful stained-glass windows.
This trail takes you on a journey through Turnov's rich history and cultural heritage, with a focus on its most iconic landmarks. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of this picturesque town!
Seasonal recommendations
Here is the seasonal recommendation for visiting the historic landmark, Kostel svatého Matěje (St. Matthew's Church) in Turnov, Liberecký kraj:
Spring
As the snow melts away and the cherry blossoms bloom, the atmosphere around St. Matthew's Church becomes serene and peaceful. The morning sunlight casts a warm glow on the church's stone façade, making it a perfect spot for photography. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too harsh. Wear comfortable shoes and layers for changing weather conditions.
Summer
During the peak tourist season, St. Matthew's Church can get busy, especially on weekends. Plan your visit accordingly, arriving earlier to beat the crowds. Take advantage of the warm summer days by exploring the surrounding streets and alleys, which are filled with charming cafes and shops. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable clothing for walking.
Autumn
As the leaves turn golden and crimson, the atmosphere around St. Matthew's Church becomes cozy and inviting. The afternoon sunlight casts long shadows on the church's stone walls, creating a beautiful backdrop for photography. Consider visiting during the week when the crowds are smaller. Wear layers for cooler mornings and evenings, and don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning fall foliage.
Winter
As the snow falls gently around St. Matthew's Church, the atmosphere becomes magical and peaceful. The church's stone façade is adorned with festive lights, making it an ideal spot for holiday photos. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the week or early in the morning when the sun is not too harsh. Wear warm clothing, gloves, and a hat to keep you cozy, and don't forget to bring hot chocolate to keep your spirits high.
Please note that these recommendations are general and do not take into account specific festivals, markets, or holidays that may occur during each season.
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.
Tips from visitors
No tips yet. Be the first!
Log in and add your tip.
Sources and literature
Photos: Miloslav Rejha / 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
Příběhy a pověsti
Legendy, pověsti a příběhy spjaté s touto památkou
Fotografie návštěvníků
Zatím žádné fotografie. Buďte první, kdo přidá fotografii z návštěvy!
Log in a přidejte svou fotografii nebo hodnoťte.
Za ověřenou návštěvu v aplikaci získáte víc bodů — poznáme podle GPS, že jste na místě.
Reviews and comments