Church of Holy Trinity (Polevsko)

The Church of the Holy Trinity in Polevsko is a Baroque church set on a slope below the Polevský vrch hill, in the northwestern part of the village, within the Česká Lípa District of the Liberec Region in the Czech Republic. This modest single-nave building, topped with a distinctive tower and onion dome, ranks among the most notable landmarks of a village long associated with glassmaking.

How do you get there?

Polevsko lies in northern Bohemia, close to Nový Bor and Kamenický Šenov — right in the heart of a region famous for artistic glass production. The easiest way to reach it is by car, using the local roads connecting Nový Bor with Doksy; the church sits on raised ground at the edge of the village and is clearly visible from the surrounding roads. Travelers without a car can take a bus from Nový Bor, from where the village center is only a short distance away.

What will you see?

The church was built between 1716 and 1718 according to plans by architect Petr Pavel Columbani. Construction funds came from the Kittel family, well known for running local glassworks — it was fortunes like theirs that financed many of the Baroque churches found throughout this region. The single-nave structure, with its prismatic tower and onion-shaped dome, stands on terraced ground and is enclosed by a cemetery wall.

The building's history has not been without drama: in 1939 a fire severely damaged the church, though it was rebuilt that same year. Another significant milestone came in 2011 with a thorough renovation, followed a year later by the construction of a new cemetery wall that provides structural support for the whole complex.

At the edge of the terrace on which the church stands is a tomb built in 1898 by Rudolf Handschke, a local glassmaking entrepreneur. It is another trace of the era when nearby glassworks shaped the economy and architecture of the entire area. While walking through the cemetery around the church, it's worth noticing the older gravestones and the terraced layout of the grounds, which gives the site a distinctive, picturesque character.

When should you visit?

The church is best viewed during daylight hours, when the architectural details of the tower and the surrounding cemetery are easiest to appreciate. Spring and summer are well suited for longer walks around the area, while autumn brings out the scenic colors of the Liberec Region's hills. It's worth checking the local events calendar, as churches in the region often take part in "Night of Churches" events, when visitors can step inside and learn more about the site's history from local guides.

Frequently asked questions

Who built the church in Polevsko? Construction was funded by the Kittel family, owners of local glassworks, and carried out between 1716 and 1718 according to plans by architect Petr Pavel Columbani.

Has the church suffered damage over the years? Yes, in 1939 the building was badly damaged by a fire, but it was rebuilt that same year.

What else is worth seeing near the church? Around the church lies a walled cemetery, including the tomb of Rudolf Handschke, a local glassmaking entrepreneur, built in 1898.

Is the area connected to glass production? Yes, Polevsko sits in a region famous for its glassworks — families such as the Kittels and the Handschkes, both linked to this church, were part of the local glassmaking tradition that still shapes the character of this part of the Liberec Region today.