Kostel svatého Prokopa (Letovice) Church
The church of St. Prokopa has been in Letovice for more than six centuries. The previous construction of the church in this place was mentioned in 1353, but no traces were preserved. The present church was built probably in the last quarter of the 14th century in Gothic style and represents a one-ship building with a long priesthood ending with a five-sided closure. On the south side of the ship lies the Marian Chapel, on the north side of the sacristy. While the priesthood, the chapel and the sacristy have been fully completed, the vault does not cover. Instead, it is replaced by a simple flat beam ceiling.
The fundamental transformation of the church was caused by the Baroque reconstruction between 1668 and 1685, which took place during the time when Letovice was held by the Archbishop Jiří Pohroncem-Slepčian. The original Gothic vault of the priesthood and the ceiling of the ship were destroyed, with which a single valentine vault was subordinate. The gothic windows were abandoned and replaced by new ones with a semi-circular enchantment. In the interior there was a music ring, the western facade gained a baroque shield and the hall became a new entrance space.
During the 19th and 20th centuries the space experienced further modifications. In 1840, the lower part of the windows was walled up. In 1847, a neo-gothic tower was added to replace the original low gothic tower and caused the south entrance to the ship to be cancelled. Instead, a new portal was opened on the north side. In 1934 the facade was restored and the flames of original Gothic windows were exposed. The area is led from the direction of the city by a covered corridor called "fortress," which was repaired in 1920. The temple is also joined by a parish dating from the 14th century.
The inner furnishings of the church are mostly baroque. The walls are decorated with colored mosaic windows from painter Karl Svolinski and cross-roads from Mr Vanek of Brno. In the church there are siedm altars, most interesting of them is the historical altar of St. John Nepomuk, which is mentioned already in 1658. Other parts of the equipment are stone sedilia at the altar, various paintings and statues. In 1932, Jan Danek painted the interior of all Czech saints. The church also owns a sprinkler from 1642. The church organ was repaired, painted and gilded in 1858.
The temple crypt preserved burial sites of noble families - here we will find the tombstones of the lords of Hardek, Lomnice, Military and flags of the surroundings. The collection of bells is one of the most valuable parts of the temple. The biggest and oldest is the bell Prokop from 1528, which comes from the time of the lords of Boskovice. It has a diameter of 158 centimeters and weighs 2,800 kilograms. His relief shows the crucifixion of Christ. The other preserved bells are the bell of St. Anne from 1729, which for many years served as a dying man, and the bells of 1926 - Maria and Jan Nepomuk.
The Church of St. Prokop thus represents a unique sequence of architectural layers that document the development of the building from Gothic beginnings to Baroque transformation to later modifications. As a parish church and a dominant town, it remains an important part of the urban life and historical heritage of Letovic.
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
- 1353
- First written mention of church construction in Letovice.
- 1528
- The cast of the oldest bell by Prokop, which was preserved with the relief of the Crucifixion of Christ and the signs of the lords of Letovice and Boskovice.
- 1668-1685
- Baroque reconstruction of the church, including rolled vaults and changes in the interior.
- 1847
- Completion of the neo-gothic tower and transfer of entry to the north side.
Architectural development
The original Gothic building from the end of the 14th century was a single boat with a priesthood ending with a five-sided cap and sacristy. The priesthood was completed with a vaulted vault, while the ship remained with a flat beam ceiling. The Baroque rebuilding (1668-1685) brought a single vaulted vault, the wall of gothic windows and the music ring. In the 19th century a neo-gothic tower was built and in the 20th century the original gothic windows were restored.
Historical events
- 1353
- First written mention of the church building in Letovice, but without preserved building tracks.
- 1668-1685
- Baroque reconstruction of the church to order the Archbishop Jiří Pohronce- Slepčianský of Ořihoma, which included the value of the vault and changes in the interior.
- 1847
- Complete the neo-gothic tower and cancel the original southern entrance.
Points of interest
- The church of St. Prokop in Letovice has been in the same place since 1353, but the original building has not been preserved.
- The present church was probably built in the last quarter of the 14th century in a Gothic style, but the priesthood and the ship do not have the original vault, but a simple flat beam ceiling.
- The oldest preserved bell, called Prokop, dates back to 1528 and comes from the time of the lords of Boskovice; It weighs 2,800 kilograms and has a diameter of 158 centimeters.
- There are burial sites of noble families in the vault of the church, including the tombstones of the masters of Hardek, Lomnice and Military.
- In the interior there are seven altars, the oldest of which is the altar of St. John Nepomuk from 1658.
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 is one of the landmarks of Letovice and serves as the parish church of the local parish. It is a Gothic single-nave structure from the last quarter of the 14th century, which was given a Baroque renovation at the end of the 17th century.
The church probably already stood here in the 13th century and is first mentioned in writing in 1353. However, no traces of this older structure have survived. The Gothic church received a long choir with a five-sided closure, a Marian chapel on the south side of the nave, and a sacristy on the north side. Only the choir, chapel, and sacristy were completely finished. The nave, instead of a vault, was given a flat wooden ceiling.
Between 1668 and 1685, when Letovice was held by the Archbishop of Esztergom, Jiří Pohronec-Slepčianský, a Baroque renovation took place. The vault of the choir and the ceiling of the nave were removed and both spaces were vaulted with a unified barrel vault. The Gothic windows were bricked up and replaced with new ones with semicircular arches. A music gallery was added to the nave and the western façade received a Baroque gable and an entrance vestibule.
In 1847, the church was completed with a Neo-Gothic tower, built in place of the original low Gothic tower. This eliminated the southern entrance to the nave, which was replaced by a new portal on the north side. During façade renovations in 1934, the reveals of the original Gothic windows were uncovered. A covered passage called fortna leads from the city to the church, and the church also has a rectory dating from the 14th century.
The interior furnishings are predominantly Baroque. However, we can also find colorful mosaic windows by painter Karel Svolinský, a holy water font from 1642, and seven altars. The most valuable of them is the altar of Saint John of Nepomuk, already mentioned in 1658. In 1932, Jan Daněk painted the interior with images of all Czech saints. In the crypt are tombstones of the lords of Hardek, of Lomnice, of Vojenic, and of the regional nobility.
The largest and oldest bell is Prokop, cast in 1528 still under the lords of Boskovice. It weighs 2,800 kilograms and its diameter is 158 centimeters. It is decorated with a relief of the crucifixion, with the Virgin Mary and Saint John standing below the cross, accompanied by the coats of arms of the lords of Letovice and Boskovice. A Czech inscription below the relief states that the bell serves so that everyone may be rung for, poor and rich alike.
The other bells did not have such luck. During both world wars they were confiscated for military purposes. The small bell of Saint Anna from 1729 served as a passing bell until 1995, when it was replaced with a new one.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit St. Prokop's church is during the morning hours when the sun is favourably illuminated by the facade and interior. During the summer months it is advisable to avoid the noon hours when the church is often hot and busy. It is ideal for peace lovers to visit on Monday morning when the church is usually less visited.
The church is accessible by car and public transport. In the vicinity of the church it is possible to find a parking lot, but it is recommended to arrive in advance and find a vacancy in the heart of Letovic. If you arrive by bus, the stops are located near the centre, from where the church is only a short walk away. The current connection and departure times can be found in the transport search engine.
Take comfortable clothes and shoes when visiting the church because it is a historic building with a stony surface. It is also recommended to take a small umbrella or raincoat with you because the church has no roof over the entrance and in case of rain you can get wet. For photography, bring a lens with sharpness option to capture details of Gothic architecture.
The best places for photography are the main portal of the church, stained windows and interior with gothic elements. For quality images it is advisable to use the natural light that penetrates through the windows. The entrance part of the church is well lit, so you can photograph during the day without artificial lighting.
In the vicinity of the church, it is worth visiting the rectory of the Rectory, which is part of the premises of St. Prokop's Church, and the castle Letovice, which is the dominant of the city. Both of these objects are just minutes' walk from the church. For families with children it is interesting to explore the surrounding park or take a walk on the picturesque streets of Letovic, where other historic houses are located.
For families with children it is advisable to visit the church at a time when services or cultural events are held which often include interactive elements. Children can see gothic paintings and statues and teachers or guides often explain their importance. In the vicinity of the church it is also possible to find small cafes or restaurants where families can relax and refresh themselves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kostel svatého Prokopa (Letovice) open to the public?
Yes, the church is open to the public. The opening hours are 9:00 to 5:00.
How do I get to the place by car / public transport?
You can get by car or public transport to the center of Letovic, where the church is located. Parking is possible on a nearby square or street.
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
It's paid right inside the church.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, the church is suitable for families with children and seniors. The tour is slightly advanced, but not demanding physical activity.
How long does the tour take?
The church tour takes approximately 30 minutes.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
The church opening hours are from 9:00 to 5:00. Reservation is not necessary, but we recommend making it in advance for a group of more than 10 people.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
In the immediate vicinity you will find other interesting sights such as the chateau or museum. If you want to visit something specific, we recommend to visit the local gallery or visit nearby vineyards.
For kids
Imagine going back to the past and finding yourself in a small village called Letovice. It was like a game where everything was different. The village was surrounded by forests and forests, and people lived in harmony with nature.
The church of St. Prokop was recently built, but it has already become the heart of the village. People used to come here to pray and bury their loved ones. The church was beautiful, but also roughly built as if it were made of glass.
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route: Letovice
1.Kostel svatého Prokopa (Letovice) - Type: Religious monument - Why is it worth a visit: This Baroque church, built in the 18th century, is not only the spiritual centre of Letovic, but also an architectural pearl with rich history and beautiful interiors. Its unique roof construction and internal frescoes attract visitors from all over the region.
2. Fara in Letovice - Type: Historical object - Why is it worth visiting: It is located only 300 metres from the church of St. Prokop and is attractive by its Gothic architecture from the 14th century. Fara is not only a spiritual centre, but also a historic place with a rich past that has become an integral part of the church.
3. Castle Letovice - Type: Historical chateau - Why is it worth a visit: This Baroque chateau, located in the heart of the city, is dominated by Letovic and his most famous historical object. Built in the 18th century, it offers visitors a view of beautiful architecture and an opportunity to explore its rich interiors and historical exhibits.
This route allows you to explore the most important historical and cultural monuments of Letovic, from the deep roots of Gothic to Baroque beauty to the spiritual center of the city.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring During the spring, when nature awakens to life, the Church of St. Prokopa in Letovice on the picturesque grounds is acquired by flowering trees and green meadows in the surroundings. Sun light, reflected from stone walls, creates a warm and calm atmosphere, ideal for meditation or photography. At this time, the church is surrounded by a fine flowery aroma that blends with the scent of a wet ground after melting snow. It is recommended to visit it early in the morning or in the afternoon when there are fewer visitors and the light is favourable for a detailed inspection. Mid-temperature clothing is suitable - spring weather can be variable, so it is good to have a light jacket or umbrella with you.
Summer In the summer months, when the sun shines most intensely, the church appears to be a shady refuge from the heat. Its stone walls accumulate heat, but inside there is pleasant coldness, ideal for escape from summer heat. The surrounding area is green and lively, with tall trees that provide a pleasant shade. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when there are fewer tourists and temperatures are milder. Light, breathable clothes and comfortable shoes are recommended because in the main summer season the church is often visited by groups of tourists. Water and a sun hat will not be wasted.
Autumn Autumn brings golden and red leaf colours around the church, creating contrast with dark stone walls. The cooler air and short days provide a mysterious and peaceful atmosphere suitable for reflection. The sun sets earlier, so the interior of the church is lit with soft, golden light, which highlights details of painting and statues. It is recommended to visit it in the afternoon when the light is the most beautiful, and to wear a warmer layer because evenings are usually cold. During this period the church is usually calmer, so it is ideal for a private visit.
Winter In winter, when the surrounding landscape covers a white snow carpet, the Church of St. Prokop receives a dramatic charm. The snow softens the sharp lines of stone walls and creates a calm, almost fabulous atmosphere. The freezing air and the silence of the winter day give the place a special sacred touch. It is recommended to visit it in the afternoon when light is softer and opening times longer than in the morning. It is suitable for warm but comfortable clothes, including gloves and hats, because it is cold outside. In winter the church is usually calmer, so it is ideal for quiet prayers or a tour without rush.
Visualizations and artistic views
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Photos from the area
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Sources and literature
Photos: che / CC BY-SA 2.5, 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.
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