Chapel of Saint Martin in Příluky, Zlín

The Chapel of Saint Martin stands on the village green in Příluky, a district of Zlín in the Zlín Region of Moravia, in the part known as Dolní dědina, just above the former public transport terminus. It is not an ancient building, but its decorative, historicizing architecture clearly sets it apart from the surrounding houses.

When was the chapel built, and by whom?

The chapel was completed in 1897, financed entirely by the Příluky community itself. Most households in the village contributed at least half to one gold coin (zlatý) toward the project, and the fundraising also drew support from outside the village: the local lady of the manor, a certain Hauptová, donated 20 gold coins, while the parish priest of nearby Želechovice gave as much as 30. That collective effort allowed a small village to raise a chapel with a carefully thought-out, ornamental design.

What does the building look like?

The chapel has a simple single-nave layout: a rectangular nave and a slightly recessed, likewise rectangular presbytery closed by a semicircular apse. A small rectangular sacristy adjoins the presbytery on its north side. The facade is crowned by a tabular gable with a triangular superstructure featuring concave wings, with a niche for a statue set at its centre. On the main axis sits a rectangular entrance portal with a profiled frame, topped by a tall window closed with a segmental arch. Pilasters capped with entablature moldings flank the portal, their upper shafts decorated with a saddlecloth (chabraka) motif — an ornament resembling draped fabric. A high, profiled stone base runs around the entire building, while the side elevations are articulated with lesenes and tall segmental-arched windows. The roof is covered with beaver-tail ceramic tiles, and a small lantern tower with a sheet-metal-clad dome rises above the presbytery.

What has changed inside over the years?

The chapel's interior is decorated with historical wall paintings, which underwent a complete restoration finished by 2016, supported by the budget of the city of Zlín and a subsidy from the Zlín Region. Earlier, in 2012, the roof covering was replaced — asbestos-cement shingles gave way to fibre-cement ones — and in 2013 the perimeter walls were treated against moisture and groundwater seepage. Thanks to this work, the chapel has kept both its original exterior appearance and its valuable interior decoration.

What is the chapel's status today?

The Chapel of Saint Martin is listed in the Czech heritage register (Památkový katalog) and remains an important landmark in the village of Příluky — a modest but carefully maintained building that has served the local community for well over a century.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Chapel of Saint Martin located? On the village green in Příluky, in the Dolní dědina area, a district of Zlín in the Zlín Region, just above the former public transport terminus.

When was the chapel built? Construction was completed in 1897, financed entirely by the residents of Příluky along with several generous donors from outside the village.

Who paid for the construction? Mainly the villagers themselves, along with the local lady of the manor, Hauptová (20 gold coins), and the parish priest of Želechovice (30 gold coins).

What architectural style does the chapel represent? A historicizing style typical of the late 19th century, with a richly decorated facade, a statue niche, and a saddlecloth motif on the pilasters.

Has the chapel been restored recently? Yes — the roof covering was replaced in 2012, the walls were waterproofed against moisture in 2013, and the historical interior wall paintings were fully restored by 2016.

Is the chapel a protected monument? Yes, it is listed in the Czech heritage register (Památkový katalog).