Kostel svatého Šimona a Judy (Štětí) Church
The church of St. Simon and Judy in Štětí is a Roman Catholic parish temple which has been protected as a cultural monument since 1964. Historical mention of the church dates back to 1300, when its first mention appears in the oldest settlements in the area. However, the oldest evidentiary documents come from the year 1352, when the church is recorded in the visitation protocol of the Czech parishes.
The original form of the construction is unknown. The church, which was erected on an artificial hill, was at risk from water and other natural disasters. Allegedly burned down in the first half of the 15th century and was rebuilt in 1452 from wooden beams. In the past, he had a cemetery. In the early 1930s, in 1620, the church was badly damaged by Protestant troops passing through the city. The restoration began in 1626 under the patronage of Count Wilhelm Slavata, who was the owner of the mill estate. The new church was built smaller than the original building; its foundations were later discovered during repairs after the floods in 2002.
The worst disaster was the year of 1784, when large floods nearly destroyed the entire building. From the church only the tower of the bell tower remained the remaining one. The foundation stone of the new church was laid as early as July 22 of that year. The feast of sanctification was led by Princess Maria Ludmila Czernin of Lobkowicz. The new temple, built in Baroque style, was completed in 1785 and its appearance has been preserved until today. In 1930 the church was restored by architect Jaroslav Major; The roof was repaired again in 1999-2000.
Architecturally, it is a longitudinal structure with an removed presbytery closed by a round finish. A higher quadrilateral tower rises in the front axis. The presbytery is encapsulated with a plaque vault, while the ship has a flat ceiling. On the ceiling of the ship are painted frescoes depicting the humming angels, the Holy Trinity and the group of saints. The crown of the presbytery is dominated by the fresco of the Holy Sacrament. These frescoes are the work of Josef Kramolín and were created at the same time as the construction. They create an illusory environment using perspective and color. There are two smaller fresco altars in the flagship ahead of the triumphant arch.
The interior equipment comes from parts of the disturbed Prague temples. The main altar is a rococo marble piece from the second half of the 18th century, originally originating from the church of St. Wenceslas in Malostranská Square. It was created by Prague marble Lauermann. The altar is dedicated to Saint Simon and to Judah, Tadeas, and decorated with statues of angels with candlesticks and rocadian wings. On the left epistoidal altar there is a picture of the preaching of St. John the Baptist signed by August the Boogeyman of Bela under Bezděz.
The biggest test was 2002, when the biggest flood since 1845 flooded the church to a height of 1.60 meters. On August 15th, the water got through the doors and windows. The catastrophic damage hit the floor (which fell up to 4 meters below the bark), the bench, the organ and all the interior paintings. After the permission of the lithomeric bishop Josef Koukl, a collection was launched for reconstruction in all Bohemia and Moravia and in German dioceses. The parishioners prayed in the church of St. Peter and Paul in Skoubuzi until their temple was restored.
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
- 1300
- The first mention of the author Friedrich Bernau about the existence of the church, but without written proof.
- 1352
- The first written mention of the church in the rounds protocol.
- 1626
- The beginning of repairs after damage during the Thirty Years' War under the patronage of Count Wilhelm Slavata.
- 1785
- The completion of the new Baroque church after the flood of 1784.
- 1964
- Registration of church and parish as cultural monuments.
- 2002
- The destruction of the church of floods, subsequent extensive reconstruction.
Architectural development
The original church from the 14th century was wooden and probably burned down in the 15th century. After the flood in 1784 a new Baroque church was built, which was preserved until now. In 1930, the architect Jaroslav Major was restored and the roofs were subsequently repaired in 1999-2000. The frescos in the interior are from the time of the church (1785) and are the work of Josef Kramolín.
Historical events
- 1352
- The first written mention of the church in the Visitation Protocol of the Czech Parishes.
- 1784
- The destruction of the church of the flood, only the tower of the bell tower; subsequent reconstruction in Baroque style.
- 2002
- The destruction of the flood that destroyed the floor, the bench, the organ, the painting and other equipment.
Owners
parish
municipality
Points of interest
- The church of St. Simon and Judy in Štětí is the first documented in writing in 1352 in the Visitation Protocol of the Czech Parishes, although the historical mention of it dates back to 1300.
- The original wooden church from 1452 was built on an artificial hill to protect itself from floods and other natural disasters.
- During the Thirty Years' War in 1620, the church was seriously damaged by Protestant troops, and its restoration started in 1626 by Count William Slavata.
- In 1784 the church nearly destroyed a large flood, leaving only the tower of the bell tower from the original building.
- The frescoes on the ceiling of the ship and in the presbytery, depicting the angels, the Holy Trinity and the saints, are the work of Josef Kramolín and were created at the same time as the church was built in 1785.
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 Parish Church of Saints Simon and Jude stands in the central part of Štětí. It is a late Baroque structure that has been protected as a cultural monument since nineteen sixty-four. The local rectory is also heritage protected.
Writer Friedrich Bernau states that the church already existed in the year thirteen hundred. However, it is only documented from thirteen fifty-two, when it appears in a list of Czech parishes. It probably stood on an artificial hill, yet it was frequently struck by natural disasters, which is why its original appearance is unknown. According to reports, it burned down in the first half of the fifteenth century and in fourteen fifty-two it was rebuilt from wooden beams. In the past there was also a cemetery near it. In sixteen twenty, at the beginning of the Thirty Years' War, the church was severely damaged by Protestant forces passing through the city. Repairs began in sixteen twenty-six under the patronage of Count Vilém Slavata. However, the new church was much smaller than the original one. Its foundations were only found during repairs after the floods in two thousand and two.
The church suffered its worst blow in seventeen eighty-four, when it was destroyed by great floods. Only the bell tower built from limestone remained standing. Still on July twenty-second of that same year, the foundation stone for the new building was laid. A year later, in seventeen eighty-five, the new Baroque church stood, and its appearance has been preserved to this day. In nineteen thirty it was restored by architect Jaroslav Major.
In August two thousand and two, an extensive reconstruction was completed and the solemn opening was planned for August seventeenth. Two days earlier, water flooded the church to a height of one meter and sixty centimeters, even though the entrances and windows were bricked up. The floor beneath the choir collapsed to a depth of four meters. The pews, paintings, original carved doors, the pulpit were destroyed and moisture also damaged the organ. During reconstruction, parishioners attended services at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Chcebuz.
The church has a longitudinal nave and a set-back presbytery with a rounded apse. In the axis of the front stands a higher square tower. On the flat ceiling of the nave are frescoes of singing angels, the Holy Trinity and groups of saints. The vault of the presbytery is decorated with a fresco of the Blessed Sacrament. The illusory paintings were created by Josef Kramolín and are mostly as old as the building itself.
Part of the furnishings comes from closed Prague churches. The marble Rococo main altar was purchased from the Church of Saint Václav on Malostranské náměstí. It was created by Prague stonemason Lauermann. On the side altar hangs a painting titled The Sermon of Saint John the Baptist by August Bubák from Bělá pod Bezdězem.
Tips for visitors
Best time to visit the church of St. Simon and Judy is in the morning or in the afternoon. In these times there is a pleasant light in the interior and fewer visitors. The Baroque architecture and detailed decoration of the interior thus perform better, especially in the natural light that falls through the windows. In addition, religious services or concerts are often held in these times, which can enrich the visit.
The church is accessible by car and public transport. The current connection and time schedules are always good to check in the traffic search engine before the journey.
When visiting, take comfortable clothes and shoes, because the church and its surroundings can offer several meters of walking on uneven terrain. It is also important to take a small towel or handkerchief because some parts of the interior may be exposed to moisture. If you are planning to take pictures, do not forget the battery and memory card, because detailed interior and exterior decoration is worth catching.
The best places for photography are the facade of the church with its distinctive quadruple tower, interior with Baroque frescos and altar, and also the surrounding church, where there is a small parish garden. It is recommended to photograph in natural light, preferably morning or afternoon, when light is not too strong and creates softer shadows. In the interior it is advisable to avoid flashing lightning to avoid damage to sensitive surfaces.
In the vicinity of the church is worth visiting Faro in Štětí, located directly on the church premises. Another interesting thing is the Mělnická estate, which is approximately 15 kilometres away. For nature lovers there is an ideal trip to Czech Switzerland National Park, located about twenty kilometers from Štětí. These locations offer rich cultural and natural experiences.
For families with children, a visit to St. Simon and Judy's church is a great opportunity to explore history and architecture. Children can be intrigued by interior decoration, such as frescoes and statues, as well as the possibility to explore the surrounding rectory. In the Czech Switzerland National Park it is possible to look at picturesque natural scenery and in the Mělnický estate children can become acquainted with historical buildings and their functions. It is also recommended to visit local museums or exhibitions that often offer interactive programs for children.
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: Štětí, Ústecký 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. 42812/5-2329).
For kids
Imagine going back to the past. You see people all around you in long dresses and hats beating down a stone alley. They are residents of Štětí from the late 13th century, the people who built the church of St. Simon and Judy.
The church was in place of older buildings, but it was small and was not one of the largest in the area. The new church was a great work of its builders. They built it from a rock that they had right there in the rock. It was a big job that lasted a long time.
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
river Elbe
city of Štětí
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
The proposed cruise route includes the main destination and surrounding attractions in logical order:
1. Kostel svatého Šimona a Judy (Štětí) (church) This main objective consists of a dominant city and offers a view of sacral architecture with a rich history. The site attracts its peaceful atmosphere and its important position in the region.
2. Fara in Štětí (cultural monument) This monument is located right in the church area. Her visit perfectly complements the tour of the main destination and brings the historical background of the local parish closer.
3. The Mělnický estate (historical estate) This target lies at an approximate distance of 15 kilometres from Štětí. Visitors will be impressed by their deep history and ties to the traditional wine region.
4. National Park Czech Switzerland (nature reservation) This vast nature reserve is located about 20 kilometres away. It offers unique natural scenery and possibilities for walking in untouched landscape.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring In the spring months when nature awakens to life, the church of Saint Simon and Judy takes on a charming atmosphere associated with changing weather. The light of the sun, which is beginning to extend, illuminates the interior of the church with fine, golden shades, while the outdoor area is surrounded by blooming trees and greenery, which gives the whole place a fresh and peaceful touch. The time after rain is suitable, when the air smells fresh and the church towers are reflected in drops on rocks. Virtually best to visit it in the first half of spring, when visits are still sparse and temperatures are pleasant. Light but warm clothing is recommended, because the morning cold can alternate with heat after noon. The ideal time is early in the morning when the light is soft and the church is not yet crowded with tourists.
Summer In the summer months, the church of St. Simon and Judy attracts visitors with its historical core and pleasant outdoor seating in its vicinity. The sun rays that hit the stone wall create a game of shadows and light that emphasizes architectural details. The surrounding area is lively, the trees are green and the air is full of birds' sounds. However, in the main summer season it is necessary to count on a higher interest, so it is advisable to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. Light, breathable clothes and sun protection are recommended because the noon sun can be intense. It is also convenient to visit the church during short rain showers, when the surroundings turn into picturesque scenery.
Autumn Autumn brings a unique atmosphere around the church of St. Simon and Judy, where tree leaves turn into fiery shades and the air is full of the smell of fallen leaves. Light is softer, often foggy, which gives the church a more mysterious and nostalgic nature. In advent time, when the first candles start to light up, the interior of the church becomes even warmer and cosy. Virtually, it is best to visit it in September or early October when visits are still relatively quiet. It is recommended that warmer clothes, because morning and evening temperatures can be cold, and comfortable shoes for walking around the surrounding roads. The ideal time is the afternoon when the light is pleasant and the church is lit with natural light.
Winter In the winter months, the church of St. Simon and Judy is transformed into a picturesque winter scenery, when snow sheets and frost supply its silhouette with a mysterious and peaceful look. The interior is often lit with artificial light, which creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, while the outdoor area is covered with white carpet. In Advent Time, the church becomes even more charming thanks to candles and Christmas decorations. It is practically necessary to count on shorter opening times and cold weather, therefore it is advisable to visit it in the morning when the light is sufficient. It is recommended to warm but comfortable clothes that allow movement, and firm shoes against slippery snow. The ideal time is shortly after Christmas when the visits are still quiet and the church is decorated with Christmas decorations.
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.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: neuveden / Attribution — 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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