DATE OF VISIT: 23rd August 2024
COMMENTS: (CREDIT TO THE NERATOV ASSOCIATION)
The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, is located approximately 150 kilometres East/North East of Prague and close to the border with Poland. The region of the Czech Republic is called: Rychnov and kněžnou.
The church is commonly known in the area, as the "church that got a second chance." It is really and amazing church, and having visited many churches across Europe and the UK, it is difficult to find such a unique church as this one.
I hope that a visit by you will confirm the truth of my words!
The whole area of Neratov has been an important place of pilgrimage since the second half of the 17th century. During this period, the statue of the Virgin Mary and in addition to the spring that rises close to the church were both instrumental in attracting pilgrims at this time.
It became clear that the original church had insufficient capacity for the increasing number of pilgrims visiting, and so a new baroque church was built on the hill between 1723 and 1733, ( the site of the present church). The foundation stone was laid by the owner of the estate, Johann Karl from Nostitz-Rhieneck, on August 14, 1723 and the consecration of the church took place on St. Bartholomew's Day, August 24, 1733.
The architect of the work is unknown. However, many experts often attribute the design of the church to the circle of architects that were close to Giovanni Battista Alliprandi. It is possible that the first builder of the church was Carl Antoni Reina. He was regrettably killed when he fell from on-site scaffolding, and the temple was eventually completed by Jakub Ondřej Carow.
In 1945, the church burned down after being hit by a Red Army missile. 10 years later, people from the surrounding area tried to restore at least the church roof, but not enough funds were raised for the repair. Under communism, it was decided to demolish it, which was avoided.
In 1992, the church was registered on the list of cultural monuments. Since then, much hard work has been done on its restoration. Even before that, on August 15, 1990, the first pilgrimage was organized on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, thus reviving a forgotten pilgrimage tradition.
In 2003, the facade, towers and clock were restored, a year later the interior walls were renovated and the rectory was repaired. It got its famous glass roof in 2007, in 2008 the roof cornices were renewed. After that, the paving, the bathroom and the entrance staircase were repaired
Since 2013, the church has been gradually equipped with new elements of liturgical equipment. In 2018, the facade of the church was further reconstructed, and was restored to its original baroque appearance. Unfortunately the effort to restore the Rococo staircase was rejected in court and a new staircase had to be built. The baroque mines returned to the towers and the bells rang again in the towers. All created according to the original design.
The church is always open to everyone, it never closes. Because, as parish priest Josef Suchár says: "What's the point of churches that are closed?"
The Neratov Association, together with the Roman Catholic Parish of Neratov participates in the restoration of the church.
I am afraid that I am unable to give the reader any advice about the utilisation of public transport to visit the church. I drove from Prague, (approximately 150 kilometres), and I suspect that driving is probably the best method to visit the church and the surrounding area. I would therefore recommend that if you do not have your own car available, to hire a car, or an organised tour, would be the best for such a visit.
Although a key part of such a visit is the church, this particular area of the Czech Republic, is absolutely beautiful and deserves to be explored further beyond just a single visit. The area, (Rychnov nad kněžnou), is a favourite for cyclists and hikers and I do recommend that if you visit, you take the time to explore this area of such a beautiful country. Certainly a respite from the "hustle and bustle" of Prague! I have attached one photo which gives you a sense of o the surrounding countryside.
The church is built atop a slight incline which is easily walkable. At the bottom of the incline a very nice simple restaurant is located which is ideal for coffee other beverages, snacks and quick meals such as chicken tenders and chips.
There is ample parking for cars and other vehicles and the restaurant has a separate parking area from that allocated for church visitors.
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