Church of Saint Wenceslaus, Gothic church in Ohnišťany, Czech Republic.
The Church of Saint Wenceslaus is a single-nave building in Ohnišťany, standing on a slight rise by the village green within the walled former cemetery. Its narrower, three-sided presbytery keeps a Gothic ground plan with external buttresses, while the nave and front tower, slightly set back, were rebuilt simply after a fire in 1804 with traces of simplified Baroque forms. The interior is flat-ceilinged.
A rotunda stood on this site before 1300, but nothing of it survives. After a devastating fire in 1804 the church was rebuilt as a new structure, keeping only a few older elements: the presbytery with its Gothic ground plan and external buttresses, and a late Gothic portal inside. The nave and tower were built plainly, with traces of simplified Baroque forms. The parish lost its resident priest in 1952, and later work was limited to securing the building, such as walling up the main entrance through the tower base.
The church is the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Ohnišťany and is not listed as a cultural monument. The main altar painting was acquired in 1871 from the academic painter Sajfert of Vrchlabí. The patrons were the owners of the manor and farm at nearby Podlesí, who were responsible for its upkeep.
The church is accessible for visitors and hosts regular religious services, so visiting times may vary depending on ceremonies taking place. It helps to check beforehand if there are any special events scheduled.
The main altar painting was acquired in 1871 from academic painter Sajfrt of Vrchlabí. The interior's pseudo-stylistic painting dates from 1910–1930, and the original main entrance through the tower base was later walled up.
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