kostel svatého Václava (Letohrad) Church
The church of St. Wenceslas in Letohrad was established in 1680-1685 according to the order of Hynek Jetřich Vitanovský of Vlčkovice, owner of the estate Kyštek. The construction was driven by Italian master Antonio Demaggio. It was originally intended to serve as a chateau chapel, part of the chateau complex. Already in 1681, it was sanctified by the Bishop of the Royal Hradec Jan František Kryštof z Talmberka. Since its inception, it has become the tomb of its founder and other owners of the Kyvěr estate.
The construction appears to be a typical example of baroque style with stucco decoration on the front. Three doors enter the church ship in the middle of the facade. On the left, the door to the sacristy opens, on the right, to the Brother Chapel. It is named after the Marian Brotherhood, which took place here in the religion - the Brotherhood originally founded the Vitanovský in 1665 during the church of the Orlik, but later moved it to Kybrik (since 1950 part of Letohrad).
The artistic uniqueness of the church is defined by its stucco vault. The work was created by artists from Milan, supposed to be Master Giovani Maderna. The price of this decoration was so high that it exceeded the cost of the church itself. Decoration expresses the theological idea that all the world and creation praise the Lord as Psalm 150 and 148.
The church is gradually equipped with valuable paintings. The main altar is decorated with the canvas of St. Wenceslas, painted in 1785 by Christian Sambach, son of the Director of the Vienna Painting Academy. Václav is depicted here in an unusual way - as an orad for mankind and the defender of the weak and helpless. At one of the altars, there is a picture of Christ with two disciples belonging to the school of Brandle, or directly to Brandle. On the church walls are the Birth of the Lord (painted in 1725 according to the parish records by the painter Jakub Kratochním) and the Circumcision of the Lord with an unknown author from the 18th century. A special feature is the plastic paintings of the Cross Way from Terracota - the French product of the company Müller from Innsbruck, delivered in 1902. The side altars decorate the paintings of John Umlauf. The organ located here was built in 1897 by the Prague organist Petr.
The church is protected as a cultural monument and commemorates the rich artistic heritage of the Baroque period in Bohemia.
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
- 1680
- Beginning of construction of the church by order of Hynek Jetřich Vitanovsky of Vlčkovice
- 1681
- The consecration of the church by Bishop Jan František Kryštof of Talmberk
- 1685
- Completion of church construction
- 1705
- Position of a separate Baroque bell tower behind the church
Architectural development
The church was built in 1680-1685 in Baroque style with Italian influence. The facade is decorated with stucco decoration and triple doors. In the 18th century the interior was supplemented by paintings and altars, including stucco vaults inspired by biblical motifs. In 1902, the terracotta sculptures of the Cross Road from Müller of Innsbruck were installed. The organ dates back to 1897 from the Prague organist Peter.
Historical events
- 1681
- The consecration of the church by Bishop Jan František Kryštof of Talmberk
- 1685
- Completion of church construction
- 1705
- Position of a separate Baroque bell tower behind the church
Owners
- 1643-1681
Points of interest
- The church of St. Wenceslas was built in 1680-1685 by order of Hynek Jetřich Vitanovský of Vlčkovice as a chateau chapel.
- Originally served as the tomb of the founder and other owners of the Kyrgyz estate.
- The Brotherhood Chapel is named after the Marian Brotherhood, which held a religion here and was founded by Vitanov already in 1665.
- The stucco vault of the church was created by Italian artists from Milan, and its price exceeded the cost of the construction itself.
- On the church walls there are pictures * The birth of the Lord * (1725) and * The circumcision of the Lord * (18th century) as well as plastic paintings of the Cross Way from the terracotta from 1902.
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 Václav in Letohrad stands in close proximity to the castle and faces the town square with a monumental façade. It was built between 1680 and 1685 by Hynek Jetřich Vitanovský of Vlčkovic, the owner of the Kyšperk estate. The church was originally meant to serve as a chapel for the castle. The construction is credited to the Italian builder Antonio Demaggi. It was consecrated in 1681 by the Bishop of Hradec Králové, Jan František Kryštof of Talmberka. The founder has a burial vault in the church, and several other owners of the estate were also buried there. Today the church is protected as a cultural monument.
The baroque façade is decorated with stucco work. In the center are three doors leading into the church nave. Additional doors lead to the left into the sacristy and to the right into the so-called Brotherhood Chapel. It is named after the Marian Brotherhood, which Hynek Vitanovský founded in 1665 at the church in Orlice. The brotherhood was later moved to Kyšperk and its members gathered in the chapel for devotional services. Since 1950, both Orlice and Kyšperk have been part of Letohrad.
The greatest artistic feature of the church is the rich stucco decoration of the vault. It is based on the idea from Psalms 148 and 150 that the entire world and all creation praise the Lord. It was created by artists from Milan, possibly by Master Giovanni Maderna. According to tradition, this work cost more money than the entire building.
The main altar is decorated with a painting of Saint Václav from 1785. It was painted by Christian Sambach, the son of Caspar Sambach, the director of the Vienna Academy of Painting. What is unusual about it is that it depicts the saint as an intercessor for humanity and protector of the weak and powerless.
On the right front side altar hangs a painting of Christ with two disciples. It is believed to be the work of the painter Brandl, or at least his school. On the walls of the nave are paintings of the Nativity and the Circumcision. The catechist Josef Pícha attributed them to the local painter Antonín Regnard. However, according to parish records, the Nativity was painted in 1725 by Jakub Kratochvíl. The author of the Circumcision from the eighteenth century remains unknown.
The terracotta reliefs of the Stations of the Cross are of French manufacture. The church received them in 1902 from the Innsbruck firm Müller. The side altars are decorated with paintings by Jan Umlauff, which replaced the earlier works of Antonín Regnard. The current organ was built in 1897 by the Prague organ builder Petr.
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: Václavské náměstí, Letohrad, Pardubický 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. 35597/6-3990).
For kids
Imagine going back to the past until Letohrad was still a small but famous city. A city full of life and activity. And in his square stood the beautiful church of St. Wenceslas.
It was like an old town game where heroes and heroes from the past played. But this wasn't just a game, it was real! People lived in houses with stone walls, walked on stone streets and visited the church of St. Wenceslas.
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Nearby
- Baroque chateau, which is often visited in connection with the church.
- Architecturally related to the church, complements its monumental character.
- It dominates the church facade that controls the south front of the square.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route Letohrad
1. Church of St. Wenceslas (Letohrad) - * Type: * Religious monument - St. Wenceslas Church is a key architectural monument in Letohrad. Its Baroque style and historical importance make the visit necessary for anyone interested in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
2. Castle Letohrad - * Type: * Historical chateau - Close to the church there is a Baroque castle Letohrad, which is often visited in connection with it. Its architecture and history represent an interesting addition to the church, allowing a deeper understanding of the regional heritage.
3. Baroque scenic gate - * Type: * Architectural element - This gate is architecturally related to the church and complements its monumental character. It is located following the facade of the church, which ensures a harmonious view of the overall arrangement of the monument.
4. Square with historical installation - * Type: * Historical Square - There is a square in front of the impressive background of the church and the chateau, which is inhabited by historical buildings. Visiting this place offers the opportunity to explore local architecture and understand the historical context of the village Letohrad.
This route will allow you not only to appreciate the main monument but also its surroundings, which together form a rich cultural landscape of the region.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In the spring period, the church of St. Wenceslas in Letohrad is presented in a special atmosphere, where the new foliage tree illuminates the architectural beauty of an ancient building. The sun's rays penetrating the misty clouds add something magical to the church, while the blooming surroundings offer views full of life and color. A mild garment with the possibility of adding a warm layer is suitable for visiting, because spring weather can be variable. The best time for a tour is in the early afternoon, when the crowd rarely appears and nature offers its most beautiful form.
Summer: During the summer period the church becomes a center of attention for lovers of history and nature. Sunshine days increase the attractiveness of outdoor views of the ancient building, but can also cause nausea in high-temperature days. Humidity and sun bring a lively atmosphere that combines with the voice of birds and blooming surroundings. It is recommended to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon in order to avoid peak hours and excessive solar heating. Don't forget the sun protection and enough drinking water.
Autumn: In autumn the church of St. Wenceslas manifests itself in the complex colour of falling leaves, which form contrast with darker walls of the building. The atmosphere is calm and thoughtful, creating ideal conditions for a relaxed tour without fear of overheated sun or large crowds. It is advisable to equip yourself with warmer clothes and perhaps an umbrella, because autumn weather can suddenly be variable. The best times for visiting are early afternoon, when nature is not yet ready for winter and light gives the church a fine shine.
Winter: The winter season offers the church of St. Wenceslas in Letohrad a unique atmosphere, when cold weather and snow sheets add a mystical touch of ancient construction. Winter light stays long on the facades of the church, which creates beautiful and peaceful views. It is necessary for the visit to equip yourself with warm clothes, including protective helmets and gloves, and to be prepared for a shorter opening period of the monument. The best time to visit is early afternoon, when winter sun rays are best reflected on the church and the crowd is minimal.
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.
View from the area
This animation was generated by artificial intelligence from a real photograph of the surroundings. The motion and details are not real footage of the location.
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: Petr1888 / CC BY-SA 3.0 — 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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