Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, Gothic cemetery church in Velhartice, Czech Republic
The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is a Gothic building with a northeast vestibule featuring diamond vaulting, situated among farmland beside Velhartice castle. The structure displays typical Gothic details including decorative doorways and sits along walking paths that connect to nearby Werich's cottage and other medieval fortifications.
Construction of this church began in 1373 and underwent major Gothic renovations during the 16th century, including additions of the cemetery gate and ornate entrances. These changes shaped the building's appearance and reflected the area's evolving architectural tastes across centuries.
This church once housed the Velhartice Altar, a three-part Gothic artwork created around 1490, which visitors can now see in Prague's National Gallery. The altar demonstrates the artistic importance this place held for the surrounding region.
The site is accessible for wheelchair users and offers convenient access for visitors to explore the church. From here, walkers can easily reach nearby attractions including Werich's cottage and the medieval fortifications scattered throughout the surrounding area.
The cemetery church underwent important changes in the 19th century while deliberately preserving its Gothic architectural features from earlier periods. This careful approach to renovation demonstrates how the site evolved while maintaining its timeless character across different building phases.
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