Church of Saint Wenceslaus, Gothic church in Žďár, Czech Republic
The Church of Saint Wenceslaus in Žďár is a single-nave Gothic church with a three-sided presbytery and a tower on the west side. The nave was rebuilt in Neoclassical style in the 18th century, the tower was raised in 1815, and a Renaissance sacristy stands on the north side. A cemetery and a wall with a gate surround it.
The church was built before the mid-14th century, when the Gothic nave, three-sided presbytery and west tower were erected. In the 18th century the nave was rebuilt in Neoclassical style, and the tower was raised in 1815. A Renaissance sacristy was added on the north side. The building is a protected cultural monument.
The church is a filial church of the Ždírec parish; Mass is held on the first Sunday of each month from March to November, and the church can be visited during these services. The wall paintings include an unusual emphasis on Saint Wenceslaus's companion, Blessed Podiven, shown with a large round halo.
The church stands on a hill in Žďár, on the right bank of the Úslava, next to the village of Ždírec. It is a filial church, and services open to visitors take place on the first Sunday of each month from March to November. The grounds include a cemetery and a wall with a gate.
The Gothic wall paintings in the presbytery were found in 1932 beneath several layers of plaster and a layer of Renaissance paintings that also showed Saint Wenceslaus. The cycle of 27 scenes includes the murder of Wenceslaus by his brother Boleslav, and gives unusual space to his companion Podiven, painted with a large round halo.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,590 contributors worldwide.