Church of Saint Catherine (Volary)

The Church of Saint Catherine in Volary is a Roman Catholic parish church standing next to the town's main square, in the Prachatice District of the South Bohemian Region, in the Šumava (Bohemian Forest) area. The current Baroque building replaced an older Gothic church on the same site and has remained one of the town's most recognizable landmarks for more than three centuries.

What is the history of the church?

A parish already existed in Volary in the 14th century, originally as part of the Zbytiny parish. In 1496, a stone Gothic sanctuary was built and served the town for the next two hundred years. That older Gothic building was demolished in 1688, and a new Baroque church designed by builder Jan Canevalle was erected in its place. The new church was consecrated on 8 October 1690.

Why has the church changed its appearance several times?

Fire has repeatedly shaped the building's history. The tower was struck by lightning at least twice, in 1715 and 1754, each strike causing a fire. Following another fire in 1756, the church was restored, and a side chapel was added to the south wall during those repairs. The most serious fire struck in 1863 — it was after this disaster that the church took on the appearance it still has today.

What architectural features stand out?

The church's silhouette is marked by a slender, prism-shaped tower topped with an onion-shaped dome, a form typical of Baroque architecture in this part of Central Europe. Inside, the church holds side altars and an altar in the south chapel dating from the first half of the 18th century. These pieces were not made specifically for the Volary church — they were brought here in 1863 from a monastery in Schläg, Austria. As a result, the interior combines elements from different periods and places, making it an interesting example of how sacred furnishings once moved between regions of the former Habsburg monarchy.

Is the church a protected monument?

The Church of Saint Catherine is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, reflecting its historical and architectural significance not only for Volary but for the wider Šumava region.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church stands in the very centre of Volary, immediately next to the town square, making it a natural landmark for anyone walking through the town. Its geographic coordinates are 48.9115361, 13.8927072.

Frequently asked questions

What is the church in Volary called? Its full name is the Church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria — the church is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria.

When was the current church built? The present Baroque building was erected after 1688 and consecrated in 1690, on the site of an earlier Gothic church dating from 1496.

Why was the church rebuilt several times? The building was repeatedly damaged by fires caused by lightning strikes to the tower, in 1715, 1754, and again in 1863, after which it took on its current appearance.

Where do the altars in the church come from? The side altars and the altar in the south chapel date from the first half of the 18th century and were transferred here in 1863 from a monastery in Schläg, Austria.

Is the church a listed monument? Yes, the Church of Saint Catherine in Volary is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.