Kostel svatého Štěpána (Mýto) Church
The church of St. Stephen stands in the middle of the cemetery approximately half a kilometer from the centre of Myta. It is a Roman-Catholic oriented building, which is a filial church of the parish Rokycany and is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. His position and position made him an important part of the local spiritual tradition.
The exact time of church creation is unknown, but we know it was built in Gothic style. The first written mention of Myth dates back to 1296, when the church already existed. That means its roots go deep into the Middle Ages. During the ages, the church was rebuilt several times, which is common for buildings of this age. The most visible change is the 18th-century tower that bears the features of the Baroque.
A significant part of the church is its bells. The most valuable of these comes from Master Thomas Jaros from Brno and comes from 1556. It is therefore a Renaissance bell, which has been preserved until today and has recently been restored. The second bell has a story: it came from the bell keeper Zachariah Dietrich from Prague and was donated to the church by the local vicar Jan Ignác Libertin shortly before his death in 1756. Both bells thus represent a valuable legacy of different historical periods, from the Renaissance to the late Baroque.
Under the church there is an extensive crypt that has served various purposes throughout the ages and underlines the depth of the history of this place. But even more treasure has proved to be frescoes with the motif of the crossing path, which dates back to the 16th century. Their discovery became an important moment in the history of the church - they were found in 1945 during the reconstruction of the building. Unfortunately, six of these valuable frescoes were destroyed during later construction work, specifically during window breakthrough. Yet the rest remain a testament to the artistic qualities and piety of the Séредовec believers.
Today's church form represents a layer of different styles and epoch - from medieval Gothic foundation to Renaissance artistic elements to Baroque architectural elements. This is an interesting example of the development of the Czech building over more than seven centuries. Visitors can feel the authenticity of the place of connection to the past in the church and admire both the architectural solution and valuable art items that are preserved there.
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
- 1296
- The first written mention of the church in Myth.
- 1556
- Production of Renaissance bell Tomáš Jaroš from Brno.
- 1756
- The dedication of the second bell by Zachariah Dietrich.
- 1945
- The discovery of Renaissance frescoes of the cross road during reconstruction.
Architectural development
The original Gothic building was gradually rebuilt. In the 16th century, frescoes of the cross road were painted, which were later partially damaged. A Baroque tower was built in the 18th century. The church has a large crypt and has been reconstructed several times, most recently in 1945 when frescoes were discovered.
Historical events
- 1296
- The first written mention of Myth and the existence of St. Stephen's Church.
- 1556
- Production of the Renaissance bell from the bell man Tomáš Jaroš from Brno.
- 1756
- The church was given a second bell from the Prague bell man Zacharias Dietrich.
Owners
Parish Rokycany
Points of interest
- St. Stephen's Church is a family church of the parish Rokycany and protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
- The first written mention of the myth of 1296 confirms that the church existed at the time, indicating its medieval roots.
- The oldest preserved bell dates back to 1556 and is the work of the Brno master Tomáš Jaros, the Renaissance bell maker.
- The second bell was dedicated to the church in 1756 by local vicar John Ignatius Libertine shortly before his death.
- Frescoes with a 16th century cross-road motif were discovered in 1945, but in later work six of them were destroyed.
Guide
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Church of Saint Stephen stands in the middle of a cemetery, about half a kilometer from the center of Mýta. It is a Roman Catholic oriented church, meaning a building with the altar facing east. It belongs as a subsidiary church under the parish of Rokycany and is protected as a cultural monument.
The church was built in the Gothic style. The exact date of its construction is unknown. The first written mention of Mýta dates from 1296 and the church was already standing at that time. Over the centuries it was rebuilt several times. Its tower dates from the eighteenth century and has a Baroque appearance.
In the tower hangs a valuable Renaissance bell from 1556. It was cast by Tomáš Jaroš from Brno and was restored recently. The second bell is the work of the Prague bell maker Zachariáš Dietrich. The parish priest Jan Ignác Libertin donated it to the church before his death in 1756.
Beneath the church lies an extensive crypt. The greatest attention is drawn by the frescoes from the sixteenth century depicting the Stations of the Cross. They were discovered in 1945 during reconstruction. Unfortunately six of them have not survived, they were destroyed when a window was broken through.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit St. Stephen's church is during spring and summer months when the outdoor environment is pleasant and sunlight creates ideal conditions for photography. In the summer there are often religious services or cultural events that can enrich the visit. The morning clock is suitable for a quiet visit without crowds.
It is recommended to use public transport where possible.
When visiting take on comfortable clothes and shoes as the church stands in a high place with terrain inequalities. It is also appropriate to take a map or navigation with you if you want to look around. Don't forget to wear warm clothes in the winter
The most suitable places for photography are the outside facade of the church and its surroundings, especially in the morning or afternoon light. The inside of the church is also beautiful, but it is necessary to respect the rules for photography inside the sacral spaces. The best shots can be taken from the cemetery, where the overall architecture is well captured.
In the vicinity of the church is worth visiting the Parish Church of St. James in Rokycan, located approximately five kilometers from Myth. This church offers a rich history and architecture worth a tour. For families with children it is advisable to visit the surrounding natural areas where you can relax and walk.
For families with children, the visit to St. Stephen's Church is interesting thanks to its historic atmosphere and the possibility to explore the surrounding cemetery. Children can see the old tombstones and listen to the stories associated with the place. It is also possible to find quiet places for a picnic or a short walk around.
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: U Svatého Štěpána, Mýto, Plzeňský 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. 45726/4-2542).
For kids
Imagine going back to when Mýto was a small village town. The church of St. Stephen, which today stands in the heart of the city, was still young and full of life.
This is where people lived who used to feed on agriculture and trade. The village was surrounded by forests and a river called the Man, which divided it into two parts. People gathered in church to pray for rich crops and protection from danger.
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Thematic cruise route: Baroque and rural road between Myth and Rokycany
1. Church of St. Stephen in Myth * Type: Sacral landmark * A unique example of Baroque sacral architecture with rich decoration. Its quiet location in the middle of the agricultural landscape offers not only a spiritual atmosphere, but also the possibility of exploring local traditions associated with the church.
2. Agricultural Landscape and Forestry at Myth * Type: Natural and cultural environment * The surrounding area of the church represents a typical Pilsen rural landscape with fields and forests. Ideal for a short walk and observations of the local nature, which complements the historical framework of the trip.
3. St. Jacob's Parish Church in Rokycan * Type: Historical church * A significant Gothic-Renaissance church with a rich history is 5 km from Myth. Its interior and surrounding square offer another layer of cultural knowledge of the region.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring In the spring months, St. Stephen's Church in Myth will turn into a quiet sanctuary, when the brighter facade is reflected in the freshly green surroundings. After rainy days, the air fills with the scent of wet ground and blooming trees, while the sun's rays, penetrating through glass stained windows, create dancing light spots on stone walls. The atmosphere is quiet, almost meditative, ideal for walking around the surrounding fields, where the first birds are starting to sound. It is practically appropriate to visit the church early in the morning or in the afternoon when you avoid small groups of tourists starting to appear this season. Light clothing with waterproof layer is sufficient, but don't forget the sunglasses - the spring sun can be surprisingly strong. The interior of the church, cooled by stone walls, offers a pleasant contrast to the outdoor heat, so take a light scarf or sweater.
Summer Summer brings animals to Myth and sunny days when St. Stephen's Church becomes the center of live scenes. The bright afternoon brightens the interior, while the outdoor area in front of the church is often occupied by visitors who rest here in the shade of old trees. In the main summer season, it is recommended to arrive before nine o'clock in the morning in order to avoid crowds that gather especially in the noon hours. Hot clothes with short sleeves and comfortable shoes are the basis, but don't forget the hat and cream with high protection factor - Pilsen sun can be challenging. Evening visits, when the heat is being withdrawn and the church lights up artificial light sources, bring a calm atmosphere, ideal for photography. Water in nearby ponds attracts for refreshment, so you can enjoy a short walk along the surrounding roads.
Autumn Autumn Mýto offers the Church of St. Stephen a unique atmosphere where golden and red colors of surrounding forests are reflected in darker tones of stone walls. Colder air and short days create an intimate environment where the church appears to be a cosy shelter from wind weather. In November, during advent time, there is a quiet pre-Christmas mood in the surrounding area, where the traffic is decreasing and the church is almost a hermit impression. It is practically appropriate to visit it in the morning when light penetrates through the stained glass and creates warm shades. Warm, layered clothes are necessary - autumn weather changes rapidly, and even when the sun is shining, the cool wind can blow. The interior of the church, heated by stone walls, offers a pleasant contrast to the outside cold, so bring a warm scarf or sweater. The evenings are ideal for a visit where the church is lit with artificial light and the surrounding landscape is sunk into darkness.
Winter Winter Mýto is a fairytale corner where St. Stephen's Church becomes the dominant feature of the snowy landscape picture. The white coat covering the roof and surrounding trees creates a magical atmosphere, while artificial lighting emphasizes architectural details of the facade. In advent time, the church appears to be a quiet place for meditation, where the attendance decreases and visitors can enjoy the quiet atmosphere. It is practically advisable to visit it in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the church is most beautiful. Warm, waterproof clothes with sufficient insulation are essential - temperatures can fall below freezing, and the wind increases the feeling of cold. The inside of the church, heated with stone walls, offers a pleasant escape from the frost, so bring warm gloves and a hat. Opening times are limited in winter, so check your schedules in advance. Evening visits, where the church is illuminated by lamps, bring a unique atmosphere, ideal for winter scenery photography.
Visualizations and artistic views
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Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
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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: Jik jik / CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.
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