Church of Saint Catherine in Choteč

The Church of Saint Catherine (of Alexandria) in Choteč is a small Baroque church standing on a hilltop above the village, in the Prague-West district of the Czech Republic. Its simple silhouette, topped by two matching low towers, is visible from a distance, and the churchyard offers a wide view over the surrounding fields and the village below.

When was the church in Choteč built?

The present building was constructed between 1697 and 1699 to a design by architect J. B. Mathey, commissioned by Bílek z Billenberka, who owned Choteč at the time. The builders likely reused the masonry of an earlier church that had previously stood on the site. Originally the church had two tall, slender towers, giving it a considerably more elegant, upright profile than it has today.

Why are the towers so low?

This is one of the more memorable episodes in the church's history. In 1856, lightning struck one of the towers, causing it to partially collapse. Rather than rebuilding it to its original height, both towers were shortened to match at a much lower level — despite objections from local residents, who wanted the church to keep its taller, original appearance. The church has kept this same low, squat tower profile ever since.

What does the interior and architecture look like?

The church follows a single-nave layout, with a square presbytery and a rectangular sacristy — a modest, practical scheme typical of rural Baroque churches of the period. In the northern vestibule there is a small rectangular chapel dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk, covered with a monastic-style vault. Inside the chapel visitors can see a Baroque statue of the saint along with two wooden candlesticks dating from the mid-18th century, among the few surviving furnishings from that era.

What happened to the church during the 20th century?

Through the second half of the 20th century, the building gradually fell into disrepair. By the 1980s it was in poor technical condition, with only the roof covering having been replaced during that time. The situation began to improve after 2000, when the Roman Catholic parish of Třebotov, which the church administratively belongs to, started working together with the Choteč municipality on repairs. Thanks to this ongoing partnership, the building has since been gradually restored.

Is the church in Choteč worth visiting?

The Church of Saint Catherine is listed as a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic, reflecting its historical and architectural value. It suits travelers who appreciate small, lesser-known sacred sites — quiet and uncrowded, with a genuinely interesting history and a good vantage point over the countryside, since the church sits on high ground above the village.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Church of Saint Catherine in Choteč built? Between 1697 and 1699, to a design by architect J. B. Mathey.

Why are the church towers shorter than they originally were? Because lightning damaged one tower in 1856, after which both towers were shortened to the same, lower height.

What is inside the chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk in the church? A Baroque statue of the saint and two wooden candlesticks from the mid-18th century.

Which parish does the church in Choteč belong to? The Roman Catholic parish of Třebotov, which together with the Choteč municipality has managed the church's repairs since 2000.