Kostel Sv. Gotharda / Church of St. Gotthard - Ceský Brod (Central Bohemia)
N 50° 04.426 E 014° 51.630
33U E 490017 N 5546842
Despite opulent Baroque exterior, Church of St. Gotthard (Kostel Sv. Gotharda) is in the core Romanesque and Gothic structure with Renaissance vaulting and Rococo main altar. The church, together with bell tower, are the key landmarks of Ceský Brod.
Waymark Code: WMKMZW
Location: Středočeský kraj, Czechia
Date Posted: 05/04/2014
Views: 42
Despite opulent Baroque exterior, Church of St. Gotthard (Kostel Sv. Gotharda) is in the core Romanesque and Gothic structure with Renaissance vaulting and Rococo main altar. The church, together with bell tower, are the key landmarks of Ceský Brod.
On the site of St. Gotthard was founded by Bishop Jan I Romanesque church in 1135. This relative small structure, which walls are still preserved in the existing church, was rebuilt into a three-aisle Gothic basilica in the first half of the 14th century. In 1421, during Hussite wars, it was significantly damaged by fire and subsequently Gothically reconstructed. Another great rebuilding, during years 1613-1614 was in the Renaissance style when architect Hons Vays of Ceský Brod vaulted all three naves by lunette-vault with decorative ribs. In 1765-1772, the church underwent yet another great transformation, this time in the Baroque style, designed by Prague' architect Jan Josef Wirch. He removed majority of two higher Gothic towers and completelly remodelled the front facade of the church with one steeple. The church's main Rococo altar is work of another Prague' artist - sculptor Ignác František Platzer from 1781. The last changes on the front facade were made in 1912, when new statues of saints were installed.
St. Gotthard, this valuable and interesting "textbook" of 900 years of sacral architecture and art, serves as parish church of Roman Catholic parish in Ceský Brod.