Church of Saint Francis Seraphicus in Choceň

The Church of Saint Francis Seraphicus stands right in the center of Choceň, a small town in the Pardubice Region of eastern Czechia. This Baroque-Rococo parish church has shaped the town's skyline for nearly three centuries and remains the main place of worship for the local Roman Catholic community.

How old is the parish behind this church?

The parish itself is far older than the current building. The first written mentions of a parish church in Choceň date back to the mid-14th century, with a record from 1350 describing it as part of the Prague diocese. None of the earlier wooden churches survived to the present day — the timber structure burned down three separate times, in 1602, 1659 and 1725. Only after the last fire did the town decide to replace it with a permanent stone building.

When and how was the present building built?

The current church was constructed between 1728 and 1733. Funding came from the assets of subsidiary churches together with donations from benefactors, most notably Count Stephen William Kinský and the Archbishop of Prague, Count Ferdinand Khuenburg, who contributed 1,500 gold coins from the salt treasury. This combined financing allowed Choceň to build a church matching the standing of its parish at the time.

What architectural style does it represent?

The building is designed in the Baroque style with Rococo elements. It is an oriented building on a cross-shaped floor plan, combining a main longitudinal nave with a side transverse nave. This layout, typical of Baroque sacred architecture in Bohemia, gives the interior a monumental yet balanced character.

What is worth seeing inside?

The interior is dominated by Rococo furnishings. Its most valuable feature is the altar painting depicting the stigmatization of Saint Francis, a work attributed to Peter Brandl, one of the most significant painters of the Bohemian Baroque. The subject of the painting connects directly to the church's patron saint, Francis of Assisi, famed for receiving the stigmata.

How do you get there and when can you visit?

The church sits in the center of Choceň, within easy walking distance of the train station and the town's main square. It takes part in the nationwide Night of Churches event, when it opens its doors to visitors outside regular service hours. The town also organizes occasional guided tours of the interior for visitors interested in its history and sacred art. It is worth checking the current schedule of masses and events before visiting, since access outside services can be limited.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the church named after? The church is dedicated to Saint Francis Seraphicus (Francis of Assisi), reflected in the central theme of the altar painting — his stigmatization.

From which period does the current building date? The present stone church was built between 1728 and 1733, after three earlier wooden churches burned down in 1602, 1659 and 1725.

Who financed the construction of the church? Funds came from the property of subsidiary churches and from donors, including Count Stephen William Kinský and the Archbishop of Prague, Ferdinand Khuenburg.

What is the most valuable artwork inside? The Rococo altar painting depicting the stigmata of Saint Francis, attributed to the painter Peter Brandl.