Church of Saint George

Church of Saint George in Tovačov is a historic cemetery church standing on a gentle hill in the northern part of the town, in the Moravia region of the Czech Republic. Willows and a high cemetery wall surround the building, which still serves an active cemetery today.

How old is this site's history?

The earliest mention of a cemetery church at this location dates back to 1297. For centuries a wooden church stood on the site, but it had to be rebuilt several times after repeatedly burning down. Only in the mid-18th century was the wooden structure replaced by a stone, Baroque building.

When was the current stone church built?

The stone Baroque church dates from 1752. Its construction was largely funded by the then-chaplain Jiří Pravdík — his first name, Jiří, being the Czech form of George, the saint to whom the church is dedicated. The tower was added somewhat later, in 1776.

What can visitors see inside?

The interior is decorated with works by master Jan Antonín Nevídal. The altar painting depicting Saint George dates from 1776, while an earlier painting of Our Lady of Hostýn dates from 1747. These two paintings are the most significant pieces of the church's artistic decoration.

What is the architectural character of the building?

It is a single-nave Baroque structure of modest, rural scale, typical of Moravian cemetery churches from this period. Willows and a tall stone cemetery wall enclose the grounds, with a pillared gate and a smaller side gate — a layout common to old churchyard cemeteries in the region.

Who was the church originally dedicated to?

The church's dedication changed over time. It was originally consecrated to three patrons at once: Saint George, Saint Stanislaus, and Saint Barbara. Today it carries only the dedication to Saint George.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church stands on a gentle hill in the northern part of Tovačov, a small town in Moravia, Czech Republic, surrounded by an active cemetery.

Frequently asked questions

How long has there been a church on this site? The earliest record of a cemetery church here dates to 1297, though the building at that time was made of wood and had to be rebuilt several times after fires.

When was today's church built? The current stone Baroque church was built in 1752, with its tower added in 1776.

What artwork is inside the church? The church holds two paintings by Jan Antonín Nevídal: the altar painting of Saint George (1776) and a painting of Our Lady of Hostýn (1747).

Is the church still in active use? The church stands next to an active cemetery in Tovačov, enclosed by a stone wall with a pillared gate and a side gate.

Who was the church originally dedicated to? It was originally dedicated to three saints — George, Stanislaus, and Barbara — though today it is dedicated solely to Saint George.