Kostel Zvěstování Panny Marie, Baroque church in Mariánský Týnec, Czech Republic
Kostel Zvěstování Panny Marie is a Baroque church designed by Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel in 1710 on a Greek-cross plan with chamfered corners, its crossing topped by a dome without a drum bearing a Marian star. The arms of the octagonal cross end in mansard roofs, and a walkway with stone balustrades runs above the chapels.
The first written mention of a chapel of Sts Peter and Paul on the site dates from a papal bull of 1250. The Cistercian abbey of Plasy had the old buildings demolished for a new pilgrimage complex; the foundation stone was laid on 2 July 1711, but building only began in 1720 under the Plzeň builder Matěj Kondel, and the church was consecrated in 1762.
The name comes from a wooden Annunciation group (Virgin Mary and the Angel) acquired in the first decade of the 16th century, whose reputed miraculous power drew pilgrims and gave the site the name Mariánská Týnice. In 1777 the group was placed on the main altar of the new church, and in 1786 it was moved to the church of Sts Peter and Paul in Kralovice.
The complex now functions as part of a museum and gallery featuring cultural exhibitions and guided tours. It is helpful to check opening times before visiting since the building operates as an active cultural space.
The dome collapsed in 1920 and was rebuilt only in 2005, after a project by architect Jindřich Rineš. The church was returned to worship after its overall reconstruction finished in 2008, and occasional services are held again.
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