Kostel svatého Václava (Nové Město) Church
The church of St. Wenceslas in Broumov is one of the leading baroque works of the builder Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer and belongs to a significant group of Broum churches. Since 2022 it has been carrying the status of a national cultural monument and its construction tells a story deeply linked to the most dramatic moments of Czech reformation and religious conflicts of the 17th century.
In the early 17th century, the place where the temple stands witnessed the efforts of the Broum Protestants to build their own church. After the issue of Rudolph's Majesty, the Lutheran temple was established here at the lower gate. In 1618 it was closed by the Abbot of the Broum monastery Wolfgang Selender. Although this closure is commonly referred to as one of the initiatives of the Prague defenestration of 23 May 1618, the историc sources show that the actual closure took place only later, in the post-white mountain period of 1622. During the Thirty Years' War, the building became a victim of fire. In her place, Abbot Tomáš Sartoria had the chapel of St. Wenceslas built in 1676, which, however, also burned down - in 1684. The construction of the present church decided to rebuild Abbot Otmar Zinke and the work was completed in 1729. The following century was alternately difficult for the temple: abolished in 1788, reused only from 1885, after World War II closed and used as a warehouse. It was only after the fall of the regime in 1989 that it was restored to its original mission, to the veritable and reconsecrated on the feast of St. Wenceslas on 28 September 1995.
From an architectural point of view, it's a small temple built into a series of houses. The floor plan has the shape of an extended Greek cross with rounded corners. The facade is structured by a horizontal ledge and divided by three parts using Tuscan pillars; the main entrance is opened at the bottom, above which the arc window is turned off, shallow nuggets lie on the sides of the front.
The interior is decorated with frescoes from 1784 by Felix Antonín Scheffler, which depicts the apotheosis of St. Wenceslas. The main altar carries a picture of St. Wenceslas and St. John Nepomuk from the 19th century by Wilhelm Chandler. Religious services are held every Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
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
- 1618
- Closure of Lutheran church, which connects with the uprising of Czech states.
- 1676
- Built by the chapel of St. Wenceslas in the place of the burned Lutheran church.
- 1729
- The completion of the present church of St. Wenceslas according to the project by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer.
- 2022
- The church was declared a national cultural monument.
Architectural development
Originally there was a Lutheran church that burned down in the 17th century. In 1676 it was built a chapel of St. Wenceslas, which also burned down. The present church was built in 1720-1729 as a Baroque building with a floor plan of an extended Greek cross. The facade is divided by Tuscan pillars and decorated with frescoes from 1784. In the 19th century the church was repaired and supplemented by a new altar.
Historical events
- 1618
- Closure of Lutheran church, which connects with the uprising of Czech states (Prague defenestration).
- 1622
- The definitive abolition of the Lutheran church after the post-white mountain reCatholics.
- 1788
- The church was abolished, but later restored and reconsecrated in 1885.
- 1995
- After reconstruction, the church was reconsecrated and returned to church use.
Points of interest
- The church of St. Wenceslas in Broum is an important baroque work of builder Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer.
- Its construction is linked to the dramatic events of Czech Reformation and religious conflicts in the 17th century.
- The site of today's church was originally a Lutheran temple, which was closed only in 1622, not in 1618.
- During the Thirty Years' War, the temple was destroyed by fire and in its place was built in 1676 the chapel of St. Wenceslas, which also burned down in 1684.
- The church was abolished in 1788, reopened in 1885 and after World War II served as a warehouse.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
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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 Václav in Broumov belongs to the Baroque churches of the so-called Broumov group. It was designed by Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer and since July 1st, 2022, it has been protected as a national cultural monument.
On this site, near the former lower gate, Broumov Protestants began building their church after the issuance of Rudolf's Majesty. In 1618, Wolfgang Selender, the abbot of Broumov monastery, decided to close this Lutheran church. The Lutherans complained to the Estates Diet. However, their complaint was not discussed at the first meeting, and the Emperor Matthias forbade further sessions. On May 23rd, 1618, the Prague Defenestration then took place, which began the first stage of the Thirty Years' War. It is often said that one of its causes, besides the destruction of the church in Hrob in the Teplice region, was precisely the closure of the Broumov church. In reality, however, it was only possible to close it after the Battle of White Mountain, in 1622. Previous attempts had been unsuccessful.
During the Thirty Years' War, the Lutheran church burned down. In 1676, under Abbot Tomáš Sartorio, a chapel of Saint Václav was built on its site, but it was destroyed by fire in 1684. The decision to build today's church was made by Abbot Otmar Zinke, and the church was completed in 1729. In 1788 it was closed and only served for worship again from 1885. After 1950 it was closed again and was used for storage, among other things. After 1989 it returned to its original purpose, underwent repairs, and on the feast day of its patron saint, September 28th, 1995, it was reconsecrated.
The church is small and is set in a row of houses. Its floor plan has the shape of an elongated Greek cross with rounded corners. A horizontal cornice divides the façade. In the lower part is the main entrance and two Tuscan pilasters divide it into three sections. Above the entrance is an arched window and there are niches on the sides.
Inside are frescoes by Felix Antonín Scheffler, which depict the celebration of Saint Václav. On the main altar hangs a painting of Saint Václav and Saint John of Nepomuk by Wilhelm Kandler from the 19th century.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the church of St. Wenceslas is in the morning after opening when there is pleasant light in the interior and fewer crowds. If you want to experience a quiet atmosphere, avoid the afternoon hours in working days when the church is often visited by school groups. For lovers of Baroque architecture is an ideal visit in clear weather, where the rich decoration of the facade and surrounding church is fully reflected.
The church is accessible by car and public transport. It is possible to find parking in the area, but it is recommended to use public transport, especially in the summer months when parking is limited. You can verify the current connection and routes in the traffic search engine. If you arrive by car, it is advisable to find a nearby parking lot and then continue on foot because the church is located in the city centre.
When visiting, wear comfortable clothes and shoes because the church and its surroundings offer a lot of details that are worth exploring. The interior is cold, so you will bring a light sweater or jacket. For a more comfortable tour, you can also take a small notebook and pencil to make notes about interesting things that will interest you.
Photography is allowed in the church, but it is appropriate to take care of respect for other visitors and not to touch the objects. The best places for photos are the main altar, side chapel and Baroque frescoes on the ceiling. Natural light from window holes is ideal for quality images, especially in the morning. If you want to photograph the outside part of the church, choose a clear day when the colours and details of the facade are fully displayed.
There are several other interesting places around St. Wenceslas' church that are worth visiting. In 30 minutes by car or public transport you can reach Broumov, where you can visit Broumov Monasteries (St. Peter's and St. James's Monastery and Monastery), which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another option is to visit the Baroque churches of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist, which form an impressive set of Baroque architecture.
For families with children, a visit to St. Wenceslas' church is a great opportunity to explore history and art. Children can look at richly decorated interiors and hear stories associated with the church. It is also possible to visit the Broum Monasteries where children can see historical spaces and animals that live there. For more active children it is advisable to visit the surrounding parks or walk the picturesque streets of New Town.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kostel svatého Václava (Nové Město) open to the public?
Yes, the church of St. Wenceslas 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?
St. Wenceslas Church is located in the heart of New Town, so it is accessible by bus No. 101 or 102 from the city centre. Parking is possible on nearby streets or in public parking areas.
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
Payment is only possible in Czech crowns.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, the church of St. Wenceslas is suitable for children and seniors. There are several levels and staircases that allow access to persons with movement problems.
How long does the tour take?
A tour of St. Wenceslas' church usually takes about 30-45 minutes. If you want more information about the church, we recommend you take a pocket book or a mobile phone with you.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
St. Wenceslas Church is open to the public from 9:00 to 17:00. Reservation is not necessary, but if you want to get more information about the church or book a special tour, we recommend contacting the church administrator in advance.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
In the immediate vicinity of St. Wenceslas Church you will find several other historical monuments such as the City Hall of New Town or St. Nicholas Church. The distance from the church is about 30 minutes walking.
For kids
Imagine going back 306 years until the church of St. Wenceslas was still young and full of life in Broum. This was the time when people here gathered for the Easter Festival and sang songs about faith and love.
The church was then in the middle of a village where there were people who lived for a living through agriculture and weaving. The village was named Broum, and it was a place where weddings, funerals and other important events were held. The church was the center of the village, where people gathered in prayer and predicted the next day.
Businesses nearby
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Nearby
- Broum monasteries (premonstrates) - the monastery of St. Peter and Paul and the monastery of St. James, which are part of UNESCO.
- The Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Church of St. John the Baptist, which forms a collection of Baroque churches in Broumov.
- Natural reservation Broum walls with picturesque rock formations and views of the city.
Accommodation nearby
Themed route
Thematic cruise route: Baroque spirit of New Town and Broum
1.Kostel svatého Václava (Nové Město) * Main destination * - Gothic-Renaissance church with rich decoration and historical significance. It is worth visiting for its architecture and connection with local history, especially with the family Šlik.
2. Broum monasteries (premonstrates) - the monastery of St. Peter and Paul * Approximately 3 km * - UNESCO protected pearl Baroque architecture. Not only the monastery areas are interesting, but also their role in the cultural heritage of the region.
3. Baroque Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Broumov) * In the city centre * - One of the three baroque monuments of Broumov, which will charm visitors with its interior and frescoes.
4. Natural Reservations Broum Wall * In the surroundings of Broumov * - Amazing rock formations and views that will complement the cultural experience with natural beauty.
The route connects historical monuments with nature and offers a varied trip around the region.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring The spring in St. Wenceslas Church offers a unique atmosphere where the sun's rays penetrate glass windows and illuminate historical frescoes and stone details. The outer space is revived by flowering trees and greenery that create contrast with stone architecture. The inside of the church shines with fine light, which highlights detailed carvings and stained glass. In this period it is ideal to visit the church at sunny but not too hot weather, when you can enjoy a quiet walk along the surrounding streets of New Town. However, it is recommended to avoid Tuesday, when some sights are less visited, and to come early in the morning to avoid the growing crowds that come with the arrival of warmer days. It is convenient to wear light but headgear because the church is often colder than the outside temperature.
Summer Summer brings a lively atmosphere to St. Wenceslas' church, where the sun illuminates the interior so intensively that frescoes and statues appear to be a little "more lively." Outside there is warm, sunny weather that attracts visitors to walk around the surrounding areas and streets of New Town. In the main summer season there are considerable crowds, therefore it is best to come early in the morning or in the afternoon when the church is less disturbed. It is recommended to wear light but headgear because it is colder in the interior than outside. If you are planning a visit on hot days, avoid the noon hours and visit the church in the morning or in the evening when the temperature is more pleasant.
Autumn The autumn visit of St. Wenceslas's church is magical, as the sun shines low and creates long shadows on stone walls and stained windows that provide a mysterious atmosphere. The outdoor space is decorated with yellow and red leaves that fall on the pavement and create a pleasant contrast with historical architecture. The interior of the church offers a quiet, almost meditative atmosphere where visitors can concentrate on detailed decoration without disturbing crowd. In this period the attendance is usually lower than in summer, but it is good to bring warm clothes because evenings are cold. The best time to visit is in the morning when the light is pleasant and the church is still relatively calm.
Winter The winter visit to St. Wenceslas Church offers a quiet, almost mysterious atmosphere, where indoor light is reflected from snow and ice decorations on the outdoor areas. The sun shines low and creates fine shadows on the stone walls that give the place a special charm. In advent time, the church often decorate the Christmas decoration that creates a pleasant atmosphere. In winter, the attendance is lower, but it is good to bring warm clothes and headgear, because the interior is colder than outside. The best time to visit is in the morning, when the church is still relatively calm and the light is pleasant. If you plan to visit in December days, avoid the noon hours when the church is the busiest.
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: Dezidor / CC BY 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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