St George's Church in Horní Slavkov

St George's Church is the most valuable historic monument in Horní Slavkov and one of the clearest reminders that this was once a rich mining town in a restless border region. At first glance it is a church; at second glance it is almost a small fortress. Thick masonry, loopholes and the strong western tower show how sacred architecture could double as a place of refuge and defence.

The church is usually linked with the great rebuilding of 1515-1523, initiated under Jan Pluh of Rabštejn. Older written references reach back to the 14th century, and some German sources connect the site with an even earlier Romanesque church. Archaeological research has not confirmed remains of that oldest structure under the present building, so the visible monument is best read as a powerful late Gothic church shaped by the mining boom of Horní Slavkov.

Fortified Gothic architecture

The church is a single-nave oriented building with a polygonal presbytery. Its defensive character grew especially important during periods of conflict, when the church and the cemetery wall helped compensate for the town's missing fortifications. The preserved loopholes in the outer walls are the detail to look for: they turn the building from a purely sacred landmark into a practical witness of medieval insecurity.

The presbytery was vaulted around 1525 and still shows the quality of late Gothic craftsmanship. Buttresses, tall windows and the west tower with its octagonal upper part give the church a severe, memorable silhouette above the town.

Interior and art

The interior once held several important works of art. A Baroque crucifix by Matthias Bernard Braun from 1720 is now kept in the National Gallery in Prague. The church is also associated with an altarpiece of St Cecilia by Eliáš Dollhopf, late Gothic frescoes in the presbytery, and the Chapel of Corpus Christi added in 1736.

A fire in March 1964 damaged the roof over the presbytery and began a long period of repairs. Since 2009 the church has belonged to the town of Horní Slavkov, which has gradually invested in restoration; the stained-glass windows were restored in 2016-2018.

Visiting

In the summer season the main tower is opened to visitors and offers views over Horní Slavkov and the surrounding Karlovy Vary Region. The church also opens for pilgrimage festivities and cultural events organised by the local cultural centre. Outside the main season, visits can usually be arranged by phone or e-mail.

Allow about one hour if you want to see the interior and climb the tower. Historic paving, stairs and narrow passages mean that barrier-free access is limited.

Directions and contacts

• Website: mkshs.cz
• Address: Kostelní, 357 31 Horní Slavkov
• GPS: 50.1387, 12.8106
• Information centre: Pluhova 211, 357 31 Horní Slavkov
• Phone: +420 777 688 368
• E-mail: muzeum@mkshs.cz