Ceskobratrský evangelický sbor / Prayer house of Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren - Kutná Hora (Central Bohemia)
N 49° 57.056 E 015° 16.074
33U E 519219 N 5533209
The depicted neo-Empire building in Jirího z Podebrad street, built in 1887, serves as church for local Kutná Hora' parish of Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (Ceskobratrská církev evangelická).
Waymark Code: WMKHNM
Location: Středočeský kraj, Czechia
Date Posted: 04/17/2014
Views: 40
The depicted neo-Empire building in Jirího z Podebrad street, built in 1887, serves as church for local Kutná Hora' parish of Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (Ceskobratrská církev evangelická).
The church is far from being regarded as one of the oldest sights of Kutná Hora. Nevertheless, the more than 100 years have passed since its construction. The building was designed by the Prague architect František Buldra and its construction was completed within half a year in December of the year 1887. Since then was been used by the Protestants of Kutná Hora: first by the congregation of the Reformed Church, which in December 1918 unified with the Lutheran Church. These united to create the contemporary Protestant Church of Czech Brethren in Bohemia and Moravia.
In the town where there are many magnificant gothic and baroque buildings, it was not easy to create a unique church. The architect accomplished this task successfully by using calm Greek horizontal lines which are in contrast to the gothic vertical and the vaulted baroque element. The building is constructed in the Neo-Empire Style. Comparing this building with others of the Empire style we can see how thoroughly the architect considered both the shape of the front and the details. In the front take notice of the rounded mouldings, dentils, triglyfes, drop- and meander shapes. We also note the plane columns and pillars, which carry the entrance gable. Above this we see the chalice, the symbol of Czech Reformation.
The inscription on the front facade ("To the Memory of the Martyrs of Kutná Hora") reminds us of the town’s past and of Czech history. The bones of five thousand Hussite martyrs, followers of Jan Hus, rest in medieval mines.
The church's interior was designed by the artists Miroslav and Jarmila Rada and renewed in 1972-1979. The design stresses the contemporary purpose of the space and is also well-considered, with a good feeling and sense for the Greek style. The whole space is done in blue including the panel ceiling. Notice how shades of blue create the shape of a cross. On the white Lord’s table (altar) the open-work cross attracts our attention. From this focal point, our eyes are led to the large pictures on the wall, entitled by the painter Miroslav Rada "The Old Testament" left and "The New Testament" right.
Visit Instructions:1) A photo of the church is required for visits to a waymark.
2) Please share some comments about your visit.
3) Additional photos are encouraged. If you can have information in addition to that already provided about this church, please share it with us.