Church of Saint John the Baptist and Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Maková hora, Baroque church on Poppy Hill in Smolotely, Czech Republic.
The Church of Saint John the Baptist and Our Lady of Mount Carmel stands on Maková hora hill about one kilometre southeast of Smolotely. Its elliptical nave measures 9.3 by 7.12 metres, with two square towers flanking the western annex, a shingled dome, and a façade pilastered and topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior has Rococo paintings on vaults and a wooden main altar from around 1725.
The structure was built in the early 1700s under Italian architect Canevallo, who directed construction between 1719 and 1722. The original design plans were never fully realized, which shaped how the building appears today.
The church draws pilgrims who climb the hill to pray and experience the view across the surrounding landscape. Visitors come from nearby villages to attend services and find a moment of quiet reflection at this elevated location.
The church is reached via a marked hiking trail that departs from Smolotely village and takes roughly an hour to walk. Parking is located near the cemetery, from where visitors can easily continue on foot to reach the hilltop.
The church's main altar is a wooden panel structure from around 1725, flanked by angel statues. The carved angels and saints stolen in the late 20th century are attributed to Jan Oldřich Mayer. A copy of the Madonna of the Scapular now stands on the main altar.
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