Church of Saint Giles

The Church of Saint Giles stands in Drahotice, a village that forms part of the town of Nasavrky in the Chrudim district, within the Pardubice Region of eastern Czechia. It is a modest brick parish church whose origins reach back to the late 13th century, and it has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1964.

What is the history behind the building?

The church began as a Gothic structure and kept much of that character for centuries. A major turning point came with a fire in 1740, which destroyed the Gothic tower along with the organ and the bells. The rebuilding that followed gave the church its present Baroque appearance, and most of what visitors see today dates from that reconstruction. Further building work took place in the 19th century as the parish adapted the space to its needs. Much later, between 1999 and 2001, a new rectory was built next to the church, a reminder that this is still an active place of worship rather than a purely historical curiosity.

What will you find inside?

The interior follows a single-nave layout, with a presbytery closed in a three-sided apse and covered by vaulting. Five narrower side chapels line the main space, connected to a rectangular section with a simple cross vault — a plan typical of village Baroque churches rebuilt over an older Gothic core. The main altar is unpretentious, centred on a painting of Saint Giles accompanied by a doe, a reference to the legend of the hermit saint whose companion deer was said to be protected from hunters. The building itself is constructed of brick, and its tower now holds two bells that replaced those lost in the 1740 fire.

Why is it worth a visit?

This is a destination for travellers who appreciate small, authentic sacred architecture away from crowds, paired with the rolling countryside of the Železné hory highlands. The Church of Saint Giles is not a major national attraction, but it serves as a landmark and a piece of local identity for the Nasavrky community. Visitors often combine the stop with a walk through the small town of Nasavrky itself, which offers the quiet, unhurried atmosphere typical of provincial eastern Czechia.

How do you get there?

Drahotice sits right next to Nasavrky, which is most easily reached by car or by local public transport from nearby Chrudim or Hlinsko. The surrounding area is sparsely populated, so travellers without their own car should plan connections in advance. The site's approximate coordinates are 49.845°N, 15.803°E, useful for satellite navigation.

When is the best time to come?

The most comfortable conditions for a visit run from late spring through early autumn, when daylight hours are longer and the surrounding hills of the Železné hory look their most scenic. Because the church remains an active parish building, it is worth checking in advance whether it is open for viewing or only accessible during services.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church open every day? As an active parish church, it tends to be open mainly for services — check current opening times with the Nasavrky parish before visiting.

How old is the Church of Saint Giles? Its history goes back to the late 13th century, though its present, largely Baroque appearance results from reconstruction after the 1740 fire.

What does the painting on the main altar show? Saint Giles together with a doe, referencing the legend of the hermit who lived peacefully alongside wild animals.

Can this be combined with a visit to Nasavrky? Yes — the church lies practically within the town limits, making it easy to pair a short walk through Nasavrky with a stop at the church and the nearby Železné hory hills.