Church of Saint Ignatius, Baroque church in Chomutov, Czech Republic
The Church of Saint Ignatius is an unoriented single-nave building with a two-tower facade, built in 1663–1671 under the Italian architect Carlo Lurago. A portico with an arched pediment shelters three portals with original Baroque doors, and five statues stand on its crowning arch: the Virgin Mary in the centre, flanked by Saint Ignatius, Saint George, Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Florian. The towers are octagonal at the top, capped with onion domes and lanterns.
Jiří Popel z Lobkovic invited the Jesuits to Chomutov to found a gymnasium, and construction of their college began in 1590. The early Baroque church, built by Italian architect Carlo Lurago between 1663 and 1671, replaced a provisional chapel in the former granary. The shell was blessed in 1668 by Archbishop Matouš Ferdinand Sobek z Bílenberka, but consecration followed only in 1671.
The church displays Italian design features merged with local Czech craftsmanship traditions. This blend becomes visible in the interior details, reflecting how artistic ideas moved between regions during that era.
The site is accessible during worship services and also functions as a historical monument for visitors. It makes sense to check opening hours before visiting, as these can vary depending on the season and religious observances.
The five statues on the portico's crowning arch carry Lobkowicz coats of arms on their pedestals, except Saint Florian, whose pedestal bears the town's coat of arms. The central figure is the Virgin Mary; Saint Ignatius and Saint George stand to the left, Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Florian to the right.
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