Church of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in Čestice, Cultural monument and church building in Čestice, Czech Republic.
The Church of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in Čestice is a Romanesque church built in the first half of the 13th century. Its nave and tower survive from that phase, and the tower keeps paired Romanesque windows. In the 14th century a presbytery with a cross vault and a sacristy were added in early Gothic style; the nave was given a new vault in 1843–1844.
The church was built in Romanesque style in the first half of the 13th century. In the 14th century it was modified in early Gothic style, when the presbytery and sacristy were added. The nave was newly vaulted in 1843–1844, and the stone staircase in front of the church dates from that period.
The church is the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Čestice and is also called the church of the Beheading of St John the Baptist. Its seven stained-glass windows, made between 1958 and 1982, show the seven works of mercy; they were designed by Miloslav Troup and executed by Josef Jiřička Sr. A memorial plaque at the entrance commemorates the martyred priest Josef Jílek.
The site is easy to locate in the village of Čestice and operates as an active religious center with regular services. Visitors should check whether the church is open for free visits or accessible mainly during worship times.
The church's seven stained-glass windows were designed by painter Miloslav Troup and made by Josef Jiřička Sr. between 1958 and 1982, on the initiative of parish priest Petr Mikeš. They depict the seven works of mercy, and the transom above the entrance door shows Christ naming them.
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