Church of Saint Catherine, Gothic church in Hartmanice I, Czech Republic.
The Church of Saint Catherine is a single-nave Gothic church on the northern slope of the Šumava, in the former mining town of Hartmanice. It is considered the oldest church in the Šumava region and its foothills. The building was altered in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, with the Baroque remodelling of the 18th century the most important; it now has a new roof and three restored bells installed in the tower in 2021.
The single-nave Gothic Church of Saint Catherine probably dates from the 15th century, though some building elements and the first mentions of Hartmanice (1320) and its parish (1332) suggest an older origin. It was dedicated to Saint Catherine in 1644, as recorded on a silver chalice. It was altered in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, most importantly in the Baroque remodelling of the 18th century. After 1945 it was used only occasionally and fell into disrepair; it now has a new roof, and three restored bells were installed in the tower in 2021.
The church is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria; a silver chalice inscribed "Tento Kalich Nalezi S. Katerzinie Do Hartmanic Anno 1644" records the 1644 dedication. In the era of salt caravans, mule drivers stopped here to ask God's blessing before crossing the forest. Sunday Mass is still held at 10:30 or 11:30.
The church is easily reached on foot from the village and sits centrally in Hartmanice I. As a protected monument, interior access may vary depending on current conditions, so it is worth inquiring ahead.
A silver chalice inscribed "Tento Kalich Nalezi S. Katerzinie Do Hartmanic Anno 1644" records the church's dedication to Saint Catherine in 1644. In the era of salt caravans, mule drivers stopped here to ask a blessing before crossing the forest.
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