Church of Saint James the Greater, Gothic church in Prachatice, Czech Republic.
Church of Saint James the Greater is a Gothic church building in Prachatice featuring three naves and a polygonal choir. A single bell tower topped with a Renaissance gallery and small dome defines the structure's profile.
Construction began in the first half of the 14th century and underwent major reconstruction following a fire at the start of the 16th century. This rebuilding campaign shaped the building's appearance we see today.
The interior features network vaults and cross-ribbed vaults in the presbytery decorated with late Gothic paintings of saints and biblical scenes. These wall decorations show visitors how medieval people visualized their faith through art.
The church is located at Děkanská 383 in Prachatice and operates under the Roman Catholic Diocese of České Budějovice. Check in advance for visiting times when the building is open outside of regular worship services.
Only one of the two planned towers was ever completed, and it later received a Renaissance gallery as its crown. This unrealized architectural ambition remains visible in the church's distinctive silhouette.
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