Kostel svatého Václava (Sazovice) Church
St. Wenceslas church in the centre of the village Sazovice in the district of Zlín is one of the newest sacral buildings of the Czech Republic. It is a filial church of the parish Mysločovice, which was visited by fire-fighters from Zájovice while they were not building their chapel. The only thing that existed in the village was the bell tower from 1708, which was destroyed by the war, and whose successor was built by the locals in 1947.
The idea of its own church was born in Zájovice even before World War II, but long years of unleash war and the subsequent communist regime buried it. Only in 2011 did the locals return to the plan and set up the Church Construction Association. The project received the Pope's blessing when Pope Benedikt XVI. blessed the base stone personally in Loreto on 4 October 2012. All building permits were in the hands of the designers before the end of 2014, and the construction was subsequently extended for approximately two years. Investment costs amounted to around CZK 20 million. The central financing was provided by a local benefactor, also contributed by parishes and commercial companies, while some of the money was collected by a public collection. She dedicated the land to the village.
The temple with a cylindrical shape resembling a paper reef grows in the landscape as a work different from the classical images of the church. Architect Stephen wanted the construction to be less tangible and more "dematerialized," so that the interior would represent a path from the outside material world to the spiritual interior. Windows located at the wall opening points do not allow a direct view out; The light inside only brings side incisions in the cylinder and a round view in the trinket lined with three sides of the triangle symbolizing the eye of God. The interior is consciously simple to create a sense of peace and quiet. The benches are arranged on concentrated semi-circles, with a church of 180 believers. The building also includes organ and hidden speakers. The walls are decorated with reliefs of St. Wenceslas and the Madonna from sculptor Vladimir Kokoli. A bell game is placed at 12 metres high.
The church was consecrated on May 13, 2017 - exactly the 100th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady in Fatima - by the local Archbishop of Olomouc, John Graubner. The construction quickly gained international attention: in 2017 it was awarded a special jury prize in the Best of Realty competition - Best of Realty, and the American architectural magazine Azure classified it among the top ten buildings in the world before Christmas 2017. The church today serves not only as a temple, but also as a cultural and community centre, where the life of the postavic village converges. / p >
Historical milestones
- 2012
- The consecration of the base stone by Pope Benedict XVI in Loreto.
- 2017
- Completion of the building and ceremonial consecration of the church by Archbishop Jan Graubner.
- 2017
- Classification of the construction among the top ten buildings of the world magazine Azure.
Architectural development
The construction was carried out between 2015 and 2017 on the basis of the project of architect Mark Jan Štěpán. A cylindrical object resembling a paper roll uses a side reflected light and a view in the ceiling in the shape of God's eye. The complex includes a 12-metre bell tower with a bell game.
Historical events
In 2011 the Association for the Construction of the Church was founded, in 2012 Pope Benedikt XVI. sanctified the cornerstone and on 13 May 2017 the church was ceremonially consecrated by Archbishop Jan Graubner.
Owners
Association for church construction, then the parish Mysločovice.
Points of interest
- The church of St. Wenceslas in Zábovice is one of the newest sacral buildings in the Czech Republic. - The cornerstone of the church was sanctified by Pope Benedikt XVI. personally in Loreto on 4 October 2012. - The temple has a cylindrical shape that resembles a paper roll. - The interior of the church is designed to accommodate 180 believers sitting on benches arranged in focused semicircles. - The church was consecrated on May 13, 2017, on the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Fatima.
Guide
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The Church of Saint Václav in Sazovice in the Zlín region is one of the youngest churches in the Czech Republic. It was completed and consecrated in 2017. It was designed by architect Marek Jan Štěpán and its cylindrical shape is inspired by rotundas from the time of Saint Václav. The building serves not only for religious services but is also a cultural and community center for the village.
Sazovice never had its own church. The faithful traveled to services at the Church of the Most Holy Trinity in the neighboring Mysločovice. The only sacred building in the village was a small bell chapel from 1708. It was destroyed at the end of the Second World War and was replaced by a new one in 1947.
The idea to build a church emerged before the Second World War. The war and then the communist period postponed it for decades. Local residents returned to the idea in 2011 and founded the Association for the Construction of the Church. Pope Benedict the Sixteenth blessed the cornerstone in Loreto, Italy on October fourth, 2012. By the end of 2014, the project and all permits were ready, and the construction itself took approximately two years. It cost around twenty million crowns. A local patron donated most of it, parishes and companies contributed, and part of the money was raised through a public collection. The municipality donated the land.
The church resembles a roll of paper with leaves peeling off. Where the walls open up, there are windows. However, they do not allow a direct view outside. The cuts in the cylinder bring indirect reflected light inside. Additional light enters through a round opening in the ceiling, which is outlined by a triangle as a symbol of God's eye. The architect wanted the building to appear as immaterial as possible. The entrance to the church was meant to be a path from the external material world to the internal, spiritual world.
The interior is simple and is meant to evoke silence and calm. The benches for 180 people are arranged in concentric semicircles. The church has an organ and speakers are hidden under the plaster so they do not disturb the clean lines of the space. On the walls are reliefs of Saint Václav and the Madonna by Vladimír Kokoška. In the twelve meter high bell tower there is a carillon. The building also includes a community center with a hall and clubroom.
The church was consecrated on May thirteenth, 2017 by then Olomouc Archbishop Jan Graubner, precisely on the hundredth anniversary of the apparition of the Virgin Mary in Fatima. That same year, the building received a special jury prize in the Best of Reality competition. The magazine Azure included it among the ten best buildings built anywhere in the world in 2017 before Christmas. The church is a subsidiary church of the Mysločovice parish.
Tips for visitors
To visit the church of St. Wenceslas in Zájovice we recommend a sunny morning or afternoon when natural light penetrates narrow windows and creates an impressive game of shadows and light rays in the interior. Parking is possible near the building in the village Sazovice, where you can comfortably reach by car; use the connection search engine for public transport travel. Take a wide-angle camera with you to capture unique cylindrical architecture, and suitable shoes for walking around. The best pictures of the interior are taken from the space below the ceiling where the light breaks against the walls. In the vicinity you can visit the village Sazovice or the Church of the Holy Trinity in Mysločovice, and we recommend families with children a peaceful walk around the modern building, which thanks to its shape is very accessible and interesting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kostel svatého Václava (Sazovice) open to the public?
Yes, the church is open to visitors. We recommend checking the current opening times on the official website or contacting the local administration.
How do I get to the place by car / public transport?
The church is accessible both by car and public transport. We recommend checking current connections and parking options online before visiting.
How much is the entrance fee and is it paid on the spot?
Admission fees are usually paid on the spot. The current prices can be found on the official website of the church or by contacting the local administration.
Is the tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes, the tour is also accessible to children and seniors. The church offers a quiet environment and unique architecture suitable for all ages.
How long does the tour take?
A tour of the church can take from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you want to spend inside and what information to read.
What are the opening times and booking is required?
Opening hours may vary depending on the year or season. We recommend checking the current information online or by contacting the church. Reservation is not usually necessary, but it is advisable to confirm it.
What's interesting in the immediate vicinity?
In the vicinity of the church you can visit other historical places or explore the natural beauty of the Zlín region. More recent information about tourist attractions can be found on local organizations' websites.
For kids
About 50 years ago, when our grandmothers and grandfathers were still sneaking into school or playing in the barn, a very special church was built in a small place in Zábovice. It was not a common church with ordinary roof and high pointy shield - no, the church of St. Wenceslas was like a big, narrow snowy box that rose up into the clouds! It was as if some magical machine had created a new path for people to approach the shrine.
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Nearby
The village of Sazovice, Church of the Holy Trinity in Mysločovice.
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Trips and activities nearby
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
Thematic cruise route around St. Wenceslas Church (Sazovice)
1. Church of St. Wenceslas, Sazovice * Type: Relief * This Baroque church is the most important architectural work in the village Sazovice. Its rich history and artistic value make the visit totally rewarding. The church is famous for its beautiful architecture and interior, which attracts many visitors.
2. Church of the Holy Trinity, Mysločovice * Type: Relief * This church is located in the vicinity of Zájovice and is famous for its historical architecture. It is an ideal place for those who are interested in religious monuments and their history. The Church of the Holy Trinity offers a view of the Classicist style with rich interior features.
3. Municipality of Sazovice * Type: City walk * Explore the historical center of the village where you will enjoy a quiet moment and discover local culture. The village offers opportunities for understanding regional life and its traditions.
4. St. Wenceslas Church * Type: Tanks * Walk around the splendor of this church allows you to enjoy the quiet moments and look at its architectural details from the outside. It's an ideal place to relax after a tour of the interior.
5. Tower of St. Wenceslas Church * Type: View * If the tower is accessible, it offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape and the village Sazovice. It is a great way to enjoy a panoramic view and understand the location of the church in the region.
This route offers a combination of historical visits and peaceful walks that allow you to immerse yourself deeply in the cultural heritage of the Zlín region.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring - After winter sleep, the church of St. Wenceslas wakes up accompanied by flowering trees and fresh greenery in the vicinity of Zábovice. The morning sunlight penetrates through the stained glass and creates an inner space full of fine coloured reflections, which underlines the spiritual atmosphere. The traffic is still relatively low during this period, so you can also walk calmly in the late afternoon. We recommend light layers of clothing - umbrella or waterproof jacket for possible shower and comfortable shoes, as the surrounding paths are slippery after rain.
Summer - In the summer months, the church trembles under the bright sun, which illuminates the stone walls and highlights their historical details. The surrounding meadows and forests are in full bloom, providing a wonderful contrast to the stone monument. In the main summer season, however, the number of visitors is increasing, especially during weekends, so it is reasonable to arrive early in the morning, preferably before 10 o'clock to avoid crowds and heat. Take sunglasses, hat and light, breathable clothes; Remember enough water because the shadows are limited and the inner spaces can be hot at noon.
Autumn - Autumn light, soft and golden, penetrates through church windows and creates an intimate atmosphere that underlines historical frescoes and statues. The leaves of trees in the surrounding area turn colors into orange, red and brown, which provides picturesque sets for photography. At this time the traffic is mild again, but the weather may be variable - prepare for a cooler morning and perhaps even rain showers. We recommend layered clothing, waterproof jacket and solid shoes because autumn leaves can be slippery on the trails. The ideal time for visiting is late afternoon, when the sun still illuminates the interior, but the outdoor temperatures are already more pleasant.
Winter - In winter the church of St. Wenceslas receives a quiet, almost mystical atmosphere; The snow covers the roof and surrounding field, and the inner spaces are heated and illuminated by the soft light of candles. The opening hours are shorter, so it is good to check the current hours in advance. Cold weather requires warm clothes - a sweater, a coat, a hat, gloves and tight shoes with anti-slip soles, because sidewalks can be icy. We recommend arriving during the morning when the light is brightest and the crowds are smallest; so you can enjoy historical details and a quiet atmosphere without rush.
Visualizations and artistic views
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Atmosphere of the place
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Photos: Patka / CC BY-SA 4.0 — 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.
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