Zvonice (Řepníky) Belfry

Welcome to this lovely place. You are standing in front of a rare wooden bell tower in Řepnice, which stands in the cemetery right next to the church of St. Lawrence. When you look around you, you will be breathed in peace and deep history associated with this region. This building is a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic, and its appearance and location in the landscape reminds of a time when people built with deep respect for craft and tradition.

Now let's look at how this building came into being and what it's done. Her story began in the eighteenth century, namely in the years of a thousand seven hundred eighty-two to a thousand seven hundred eighty-three, when this wooden bell tower was built together with the already mentioned church. But historical records go even further into the past, as written sources from 16 hundred and seventy-seven state that the church had three bells in total. The greatest jewel of all of this history is the precious bell which was cast already in the year fifteen hundred and six and bears the precious relief of St. John.

Now pay attention to the architecture of the building itself, which is right in front of you. Its construction represents a typical example of Baroque architecture at the time and in an interesting way connects wood with solid stone suspect. When you look up, notice the square plan and the vertical frame structure that gives the whole object its unmistakable face. Although the names of builders and specific historical personalities associated with the creation of the monument have not been preserved until today, the craftsmanship of the creators speaks for itself.

This building witnessed many joyous moments of the people here, but it also passed severe trials. One of the saddest chapters was the period of World War I, when in nineteen hundred and fourteen the bells were propped, which deeply affected the life of the whole parish and deprived the place of his vote. Yet the historic bell from the sixteenth century, which is a silent witness to ancient times, has been preserved in this building until today.

Try to feel the atmosphere of this place for a while. You're standing in a cemetery where the silence of centuries intersects with the present, and you have the roots of history beneath your feet that goes back hundreds of years. The bell tower carries the secrets of old carpenters who have been able to connect natural material with stone so firmly that it resists the effects of weather and time for centuries.

We believe that this stop was a pleasant experience for you and that you are really enjoying your stay at this historic place. Before you go on another journey to explore, we suggest you stay a while longer, enjoy the surroundings and let the genius loci of this quiet corner of our country impress you. Thank you for using our audio guide, we wish you a good trip and see you at other sights.