Church of Saint Bartholomew, Fortified church in Trhový Štěpánov, Czech Republic

The Church of Saint Bartholomew is a single-nave building with a narrower five-sided presbytery, a sacristy and a 31 m high square tower. Its plain exterior has a large cross on the west front, and the tower carries gilded clock faces from 1883 by the Prague-Vinohrady firm Kretschmer. The interior is Baroque and Rococo with surviving Gothic elements.

The structure incorporated Gothic design elements from the 13th century and underwent Baroque modifications in 1704. Its brick tower was rebuilt between 1856 and 1859, replacing an earlier wooden version.

The church has long served as the religious center of the local community and remains a focal point in the village's identity. It reflects the deep Catholic roots that have shaped life in this small settlement.

The church sits in the village center and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should dress respectfully when entering, especially if services or religious events are taking place.

The solid brick tower was specifically designed to succeed an earlier wooden structure and represents a turning point in construction history. This 19th century modernization project shows how rural communities adapted their most important buildings.