Church of Saint George

The Church of Saint George is a Gothic parish church in Jasenná, the largest and longest village in the Jaroměř area, located in the southernmost part of the Náchod District in the Hradec Králové region of the Czech Republic. For centuries it has served as the village's defining landmark, with roots stretching back to the mid-14th century.

How to get there?

Jasenná lies in the Náchod District in eastern Bohemia, spread out in the elongated village layout typical of this foothill region. The church stands in the heart of the village, easily spotted thanks to its tall tower. The most convenient way to arrive is by car — the village sits within easy reach of regional towns such as Jaroměř and Náchod, from where the church is only a short drive along local roads.

What will you see?

The building's history goes back to the mid-14th century — the church was first recorded in written sources in 1343. From 1346, the right of presentation (the power to appoint the parish priest) belonged to the Bohemian Crown, while the village itself was granted to the chapter of Prague mansionaries, a sign of the settlement's notable standing in medieval times. The original structure was built as a Gothic, single-nave church oriented east-west, with a rectangular presbytery set off-axis from the nave and a tower on the western side.

Inside, the church preserves a valuable relic from the late Gothic period — a stone baptismal font bearing an inscription dated 1521, one of the oldest surviving fittings in the building. The church's appearance changed over the centuries: in 1893, a new Neo-Gothic tower was raised on the older foundations, and a Neo-Baroque chapel was added to the main body of the church at the same time. These two layers — medieval and 19th-century — now coexist within a single structure, making the church a notable example of a village place of worship reshaped across centuries.

In 2009, the church underwent a complete reconstruction of its roof, including the roof structure itself and the small sanctus turret above it, which has kept the building in good technical condition ever since.

When to visit?

The church and its surroundings are best seen in spring and summer, when longer days and greenery around the building make for a pleasant walk through the village. Jasenná also takes part in the nationwide Night of Churches event, during which the church is opened to visitors outside regular service hours — a good opportunity to see the interior, including the Gothic font, without arranging a separate visit.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the Church of Saint George in Jasenná? The church was first mentioned in 1343, and its Gothic structure dates from the mid-14th century, making it one of the older sacred buildings in the Náchod District.

What is worth seeing inside? The most valuable feature is the late Gothic stone baptismal font, inscribed with the date 1521, which has survived despite later rebuilding of the church.

Where does the current tower come from? The present Neo-Gothic tower was built in 1893 on the foundations of an older structure, together with a Neo-Baroque chapel added to the church at the same time.

Can the church be visited? As an active parish church, it is mainly accessible during services, but once a year it opens more widely to visitors during the Night of Churches event.