kostel svatého Prokopa (Křtěnov) Church
The church of St. Prokop in Křtěnov near Temelin used to be a parish temple for the Roman Catholic parish Křtěnov. Today, the only visible trace of the settlement has been destroyed in the construction of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. Together with the rectory, bell tower, school and cemetery he formed the centre of the small village community; these types of buildings are now only the background of a single church, which became a lonely monument to the period before the industrial conversion of the landscape.
The church dates back to the 14th century. The oldest preserved record of its existence is linked to 1261, where plebán Mathias is documented here. Over time there were several important clergy - among them, for example, the later Bishop of Litomysl Aleš z Březí, who came from nearby March. With this personality, the church in the life of the parish is witnessing the continuity of the local church life of the Middle Ages.
It is an architectural construction with a tripod finished by a presbytery. The spirit of the time is characterized by valuable Gothic frescos from the 14th century, which until our days have been preserved in presbytery. The Gothic equipment is decorated with a stone sandbox. There is also a tombstone in the church with a coat of arms dating back to 1700. The organ inventory dates back to the 19th century - the organ from 1852, created by the famous builder Franz Jüstl. However, the original mobility of the church has not been preserved; The original altar painting was moved to a church in Purkart in recent times.
When the surrounding municipalities were destroyed in connection with the construction of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant, the church was also to be destroyed. But it was saved and used as part of the landscape memory. Without construction measures, however, the structure would threaten seismic shocks from the operation of the power plant; at the end of the 1980s, the foundations were reinforced with a iron-concrete wreath. During the extensive reconstruction carried out in 1994-1995 there was a surprising discovery - the presbytery managed to find and uncover frescoes from the mid-14th century, which were now lost. Since 2025, Temelín has been managing the church.
The church is located in the vicinity of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant and not far from the castle Vysoký hrady. Although he lost his position as a parish temple and the village disappeared around him, today he serves as a monument to memory - the only visible evidence of the medieval settlement of these places and the testimony of the long church history of the Czech PolDeva.
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
- 1261
- The first written mention of plebán Mathias, which is associated with the church of St. Prokop.
- 1450 (approximately)
- Creating gothic frescoes in church presbytery.
- 1989
- The beginning of the stabilisation work on the church, including strengthening the foundations with a reinforced concrete wreath.
- 1994-1995
- Reconstruction of the church where Gothic frescoes were discovered and restored.
Architectural development
The church dates back to the beginning of the 14th century and is a single boat with a tripod ended by a presbytery. The original Gothic construction was supplemented by a circle and a tombstone from the 18th century. In the 19th century, an organ was installed by Franz Jüstl. In the 1980s, the construction was reinforced with a reinforced concrete wreath to prevent further deterioration of the construction. The interior is dominated by Gothic elements, especially frescoes and sanctuaries, while the mobility is mostly modern.
Historical events
- 1261
- The first written mention of plebán Mathias in Křtěnov, confirming the existence of the parish in the 13th century.
- 1450 (approximately)
- The creation of Gothic frescoes in the presbytery of the church, which are a unique artistic document from this time.
- 1989-1995
- Saving the church from demolition and its reconstruction, during which frescoes were discovered and the church was stabilized by a reinforced concrete wreath.
- 2025
- Temelín has become the official o
Owners
1995-2024 – Municipality of Temelín (assumption, exact year of transfer 2025); before 2025 – Company operating the nuclear power plant Temelín (assumption, exact owner not believed before 2025).
Points of interest
- The church of St. Prokop is the only preserved visible trace of the extinct village Křtěnov, which disappeared during construction of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant.
- The presbytery preserved valuable Gothic frescoes from the mid-14th century, which were discovered only during reconstruction in 1994-1995.
- The church was originally a parish temple with a parish, a school, a cemetery and a bell tower that no longer exists.
- The organ in the church dates back to 1852 and was made by famous builder Franz Jüstle.
- During the reconstruction at the end of the 1980s, the foundations of the church were reinforced with a iron concrete wreath due to the risk of seismic shocks from the operation of the power plant.
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 Prokop in Křtěnov u Temelína was the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Křtěnov. It stands in close proximity to the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant and Vysoký hrádek castle. The power plant has fundamentally influenced its fate.
The church dates from the 14th century. As early as 1261, a priest named Mathias is documented here. Among the local priests was also Aleš z Březí, who later became the bishop of Litomyšl. He came from nearby Březí.
The village of Křtěnov no longer exists today. Like the neighbouring Březí and other villages, it was demolished due to the construction of the Temelín power plant. All that remains of the village is the church with the adjoining bell tower, cemetery, rectory and school. The church itself was originally supposed to be demolished, but it was saved. At the end of the 1980s, its foundations were reinforced with a reinforced concrete ring. In 2025, the municipality of Temelín became the owner of the church.
The building is single-naved and the presbytery is terminated with a three-sided polygon. During reconstruction in 1994 and 1995, valuable Gothic frescoes from the mid-14th century were discovered in the presbytery. The presbytery is also decorated with a stone Gothic sanctuary.
Under the gallery lies a tombstone with a coat of arms from 1700. The organ from 1852 was built by Franz Jüstl. The original furnishings have not survived in the church. The original altarpiece is now in the church in Purkarec.
Tips for visitors
Best time to visit
Church of St. Prokopa is the most pleasant to visit in the morning when there is peace and pleasant light. The ideal period for visiting is in spring or autumn, when the outside is pleasant temperature and nature around the monument is in full beauty. In summer, there may be more visitors, but the evening after sunset there is always a quiet atmosphere. In winter the visit is interesting thanks to its historical character and the opportunity to explore the surrounding landscape covered with snow.
It is recommended to arrive by car. The place is suitable for a short walk from nearby villages, but for a longer journey the car is the most suitable choice.
What to take with you
When visiting the church, wear comfortable clothes and shoes because the interior and exterior can be cold, especially during the winter months. It is also recommended to take a map or navigation because Křtěnov is a small village and orientation can be difficult. If you are planning to photograph, do not forget the camera or mobile phone with sufficient storage space. Bring warm clothes in winter and sun protection in summer.
For quality images it is advisable to use the morning or afternoon light when the light is softer and not so intense. In the interior it is advisable to photograph in the natural light which penetrates the windows. In winter it may be interesting to capture the church in the snow cover, which will give photographs a unique atmosphere.
What to visit in the vicinity (within 30 minutes drive)
In the vicinity of the church of St. Prokop there are several interesting places worth visiting. The chateau of the High Chateau is located only three kilometres from Křtěnova. This Baroque chateau from the 18th century with an extensive park offers beautiful walks and an opportunity to learn the history of the region. Another interesting thing is the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant, which is located just one kilometer from the church. Although not a tourist attraction, it can be interesting for visitors who are interested in modern technology and energy.
Tips for families with children
For families with children it is interesting to visit the church of St. Prokop thanks to its historical importance and picturesque location. Children can see the Gothic architecture and hear stories about the extinct medieval village. In the vicinity of the church you can find places for short walks and exploring nature. Parents can use the opportunity to explain the history and importance of the monument. In the vicinity it is also possible to visit the Chateau of the High Chateau, where children can explore an extensive park and play 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: Křtěnov, Jihočeský 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. 16338/3-212).
For kids
Imagine going back to the past in the Middle Ages, exactly the village Křtěnov in Bohemia. It was a small village where people lived and worked in the fields. But among them was the church of St. Prokop, which is now one of the most beautiful historical monuments of our country.
What did this place look like many years ago? Imagine you're a little knight with a sword in your hand and a shield on your back. You travel through the woods and meadows when you get to the big stone church. It's like a play called "Golden Wound" - it looks like it's from the slave century!
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Trips and activities nearby
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Thematic cruise route: History and industry around Křtěnova
1. Church of St. Prokop * Type: * Sacral monument, Baroque building from the 18th century. * Why visit? * A unique example of rural sacral architecture with rich decoration, associated with the fate of a extinct village. Its location on the top offers a picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.
2. Castle High Chateau * Type: * Baroque chateau with park, about 3 km away. * Why visit? * One of the most important cultural monuments of the region, where the history of the aristocratic residence is mixed with modifications from the 18th century. The park is an ideal place to walk and relax.
3. Temelín Nuclear Power Plant (outdoor tour) * Type: * Industrial monument, about 1 km away. * Why visit? * Symbol of industrial development which fundamentally influenced the fates of Křtěnova and surrounding villages. The information centre offers a view of the technical details and historical context of the liquidation of the municipalities.
* Tip: * The route combines spiritual heritage, aristocratic history and industrial history, ideal for interested in regional development of South Bohemia region.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: The Church of St. Prokop in Křtěnov offers an unforgettable impression to visitors when nature wakes up from a freezing sleep. The sun rays celebrate the architecture of the church, which in spring light sounds in living colors and shading. Nature is blooming around, with flowering shrubs and trees giving the surroundings a special spring atmosphere. It is recommended to visit early noon or evening, when opening times are long and crowds are less. It is advisable to prepare light clothes with the possibility of adding layers according to temperature.
Summer: In the summer, the church of St. Prokop is a popular destination for visitors looking for shelter from the sun heat. Summer brings long days and beautiful greenery of surrounding fields and forests, which strengthens the relaxing atmosphere of the monument. In the main summer season it is recommended to visit the morning clock to avoid the biggest crowds. Do not forget the protective sunglasses and plenty of drinking water as well as the kick clothing suitable for warm weather.
Autumn: Autumn brings the church of St. Prokop the melancholy beauty of golden and red leaves, which glitter down under the feet of visitors. The atmosphere is calm, which allows full listening to the history and architecture of the church without disturbing the crowd. It is advisable to visit trips at the beginning or end of the day when light is less intense and nature offers wonderful shots. It is recommended to wear laminated clothing because temperatures can be variable.
Winter: Winter brings a completely different character to the church of St. Prokop. The sun rises late and sets early, which means a shorter opening time of the monument. However, when we look at the church in the moonlight or during the first snow rains, it takes on a whole new meaning and beauty. In winter it is necessary to visit with warmer clothes such as fur coats or covers, and suitable hugs for cold surfaces. Visit the church in the early afternoon when the temperature is slightly higher and bright moonlight on the roof.
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: Karelkam / 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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