Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi is a small parish church in Studánka, a district of Varnsdorf in the far north of the Czech Republic, right in the corner where the country meets Poland and Germany — an area known as the Šluknov Hook. The building stands at coordinates 50.9086097, 14.5667956 and has been listed as a Czech cultural monument since 2015.

Why was a church built in Studánka?

During the 19th century, Studánka (formerly known by its German name, Schönborn) grew rapidly thanks to the expansion of weaving and textile industries across the region. As the population increased, local residents pushed for a church of their own rather than traveling to neighboring villages for services. Construction took place between 1869 and 1872, and the church was built in the Romanesque Revival style, a common choice for sacred architecture in Central Europe at the time. The building was solemnly consecrated on 13 October 1872. A schoolhouse and a rectory were built alongside it, a typical arrangement for newly founded parishes of that era.

What role does the church play today?

The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi serves as the parish church of the Roman Catholic Parish of Studánka. An independent parish covering only Studánka was established in 1874, two years after the church's consecration. After the Second World War, following the expulsion of the village's German-speaking inhabitants and the resettlement of the area, the number of believers steadily declined and the church's role in the local community faded. Over the following decades the building fell into gradual disrepair, with insufficient funds available for regular maintenance of the facade and interior.

What is the current state of the building?

The situation began to improve in the early 1990s, when the church facade was reconstructed. Further necessary repair work followed in 2011-2012. These efforts helped preserve the building's historic character, and in 2015 it was formally added to the list of Czech cultural monuments, confirming its architectural and historical value for the region.

How do you get to the church?

Studánka is part of the town of Varnsdorf, in the Děčín district of the Ústí nad Labem region, close to both the Polish border (near Bogatynia) and the German border (near Zittau). The easiest way to reach it is by car or local transport from the center of Varnsdorf, since Studánka is one of the town's outlying districts. The area belongs to the Šluknov Hook, a borderland region known for its scenic landscapes and numerous small sacred buildings scattered across the surrounding villages.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The area around Studánka offers the chance to explore other sacred and historic sites typical of the Šluknov Hook, as well as easy access to the nearby Lužické hory (Lusatian Mountains), which begin just a short distance to the east. It's a good stop for travelers looking for a quiet, less touristy route through the Czech-Polish-German borderland that combines sacred architecture with foothill scenery.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in Studánka built? It was built between 1869 and 1872, and consecrated on 13 October 1872.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a Czech cultural monument since 2015.

Which parish does the church belong to? It is the parish church of the Roman Catholic Parish of Studánka, established as an independent parish in 1874.

Has the building been renovated? Yes, the facade was reconstructed in the early 1990s, and further repair work was carried out in 2011-2012.