Church of Holy Trinity

The Church of the Holy Trinity stands on Husovo náměstí (Hus Square) in the historic core of Nové Město nad Metují, right beside the town castle and the local museum. This modest late Gothic building was raised together with the town itself and has anchored its skyline for roughly five centuries.

When was the church built?

Construction began in 1513 at the initiative of Jan Černčický of Kácov, the founder of Nové Město nad Metují, who planned the church as an integral part of the new town rather than a separate addition. The building was completed in 1523. Its first chapter was short-lived: a fire destroyed the church only three years later, in 1526. It was rebuilt in 1540, financed by Jan of Pernštejn, who then owned the town and its castle.

How did the building change over time?

In 1556 a covered exterior staircase leading up to the choir gallery was added — a feature still visible on the church's facade today. The building's role within the town also shifted: in 1567 it was elevated from a filial (branch) church to a full parish church, serving the entire community of Nové Město nad Metují.

Architecturally, the church is simple but well proportioned. A rectangular nave adjoins a polygonal presbytery, and the nave itself is covered by a cross vault. This layout, typical of late Gothic churches in the wider Kladské pomezí border region, gives the modestly sized interior a surprising sense of lightness.

What can visitors see inside?

The focal point is the portal-style main altar from 1677, decorated with a painting dated 1693. The pulpit, crafted in a similar style, dates from the same Baroque period of interior furnishing.

Above the choir gallery hangs a Marian painting from 1726. Beyond its religious subject, the painting is notable for depicting the silhouette of the town in the background, making it a valuable visual record of how Nové Město nad Metují looked in the first half of the 18th century.

The church also holds a historic organ. The original instrument was built in 1656 by Jiří Wendt of Křešov. Nearly two centuries later, in 1851, organist and organ builder Amadeus Hanisch substantially rebuilt it, giving the instrument a sound closer to 19th-century Romantic taste.

What is the church's status today?

The Church of the Holy Trinity remains an active Roman Catholic parish church and is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. Standing on Husovo náměstí, next to the castle once held by the Bartoň family and the town museum, it forms a natural stop on any walk through the historic center.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the church located? On Husovo náměstí in Nové Město nad Metují, in the Hradec Králové Region, Náchod District, next to the town castle and museum.

What architectural style is it built in? Late Gothic, with a rectangular nave, a polygonal presbytery, and a cross-vaulted ceiling.

Is this the original 16th-century building? Only in part — the church built between 1513 and 1523 burned down in 1526 and was rebuilt in 1540, so today's structure largely reflects that post-fire reconstruction plus later Baroque additions to the interior.

What is the most valuable feature inside? The Baroque main altar from 1677 with its 1693 painting, and the 1726 Marian painting that includes a view of the town.

Can the church be visited? As an active parish church, it is accessible to visitors as part of local heritage trails through Nové Město nad Metují's historic sites.