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Saint George, Hradešín

Saint George is a Roman Catholic church in Hradešín. It is one of the oldest Cultural Monument in Central Bohemia. The church was founded in the 12th century and was built in several stages during centuries. Thus gained its unique appereance as a mixture of all main architectural styles. It rises on the hill 399 meters above sea level.

History

In the 12th century a Romanesque rotunda was built on the top of the hill. Probably as a part of a fortified settlement guarding the road to Prague. This rotunda is partially still preserved. In the14th century the apse of rotunda was torn down and on its place a new Gothic nave and chancel was constructed. This phase was sponsored by its owner Olbram from Škvorce - high positioned official. This fact and elaborate style of construction hints that its architect worked for Czech Kings at that time. In the 15th century next phase took place. During this one the church was equipped with a rampart and the gate tower guarding the entrance. In 1557 the Renaissance entrance hall was added. In the 18th century another stage took place, the Baroque one. A bell tower, a chapel of Saint George in the wall next to the entrance tower and a sacristy was built. Also new clergy house at the foot of the hill. Then minor construction works followed. A staircaise to the choir loft in rotunda was added and unfortunately the gate tower and the chapel of Saint George were removed. Finally in 1910 a stone pulpit carved in 1575 was moved from neighbouring village church of Saint Peter and Paul and inserted in the rampart.

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