Church of Saint James the Greater, church building in Petrovice, Czech Republic
The Church of Saint James the Greater is a simple rectangular stone building with thick walls and original windows from the 13th century, later expanded with additional windows from the 18th century. The western tower with an onion-shaped roof houses church bells, while the grounds are enclosed by a wall decorated with statues of saints.
The building dates from the second half of the 13th century and is the oldest surviving structure in the area. Over the centuries it evolved from Romanesque to early Gothic and later Baroque styles, particularly in the 18th century when it was significantly expanded and the tower was added.
The name honors Saint James the Greater, one of the apostles. Inside, you can see old wall paintings and baroque images that tell stories from earlier times and show how the community has expressed its faith here for centuries.
The building sits in the village of Petrovice and is easy to reach from the village center since it serves as a central gathering point. Access is through a gate in the western wall where the main entrance with the tower is located.
During a major 1910 renovation, workers discovered old wall paintings hidden beneath plaster for centuries that are now visible again. These paintings depict religious scenes and figures from medieval times, revealing the artistic life of earlier generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
