Church of Saint Francis Seraphicus

The Church of Saint Francis Seraphicus stands on the north side of Český ráj Square in the heart of Turnov, one of the main gateway towns to the Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) region. It is the oldest surviving religious building in town and a rare local example of early Baroque architecture, even though its present appearance owes far more to a Classicist-Empire rebuild carried out in the early 19th century.

How do you get to the church in Turnov?

The church sits directly on the town's main square, making it a natural starting point for a walk through central Turnov. It's roughly a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk from the train and bus station to the centre, and the town itself lies on the route connecting Liberec and Mladá Boleslav, which makes it a convenient stop whether you're exploring Bohemian Paradise by car or by rail. The square in front of the church is largely pedestrianised, so approaching on foot from the market area is the easiest option.

How were the church and monastery built?

Construction of the church, together with the adjoining Franciscan monastery, was financed by Maximilian of Wallenstein, the owner of the Turnov estate at the time. The foundation stone was laid on 1 May 1651, and building work continued until 1655. The church was consecrated on Sunday, 25 February 1657, by the Archbishop of Prague, Cardinal Harrach — an event that underlined its role as an important religious centre for the wider area.

Expansion and fires

In 1684 the monastery complex was extended on its north side, but by 1707 part of the buildings already had to be rebuilt after a fire. A far more serious blow came at the start of the 19th century: in 1803 a major fire severely damaged both the monastery and the church itself. The reconstruction that followed, carried out between 1822 and 1824, gave the building the Classicist-Empire appearance it retains today, replacing much of the original early Baroque character.

What can you see on site?

Together with the former Franciscan monastery, the church forms a single, coherent architectural complex that dominates the north side of Český ráj Square. The building visibly layers traces of its earlier Baroque phase with the results of the Classicist-Empire rebuild carried out two centuries ago — a detail worth looking for, typical of sacred buildings that survived repeated fires and reconstructions. Since 3 May 1958, the church has been listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, confirming its importance to the region's history.

A visit pairs well with a walk around Český ráj Square itself, lined with townhouses from several architectural periods, and with a stop at the nearby Museum of Bohemian Paradise, which covers the region's history and traditional crafts, including Turnov's famous gemstone-cutting trade.

When should you visit?

Turnov and the surrounding Bohemian Paradise are best explored in spring and summer, when the region's hiking trails leading to its rock cities are fully accessible. The square with the church, however, can be visited at any time of year — it's a working part of the town centre rather than an isolated tourist site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who financed the construction of the church? The church and monastery were financed by Maximilian of Wallenstein, the owner of the Turnov estate at the time.

In what architectural style was the church built? It was originally early Baroque, but after the 1803 fire it was rebuilt between 1822 and 1824 in the Classicist-Empire style it displays today.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 3 May 1958.

Was the church part of a larger complex? Yes, it was built together with a Franciscan monastery, which was further expanded in 1684.