Church of Saint James the Elder

The Church of Saint James the Elder stands as the defining landmark of Stračov, a small village in the Hradec Králové Region, its slender tower visible across the surrounding flatlands long before travelers reach the village itself. The building occupies a park-like square at the very heart of the settlement, right beside the road connecting Nechanice to the highway leading toward Hořice.

What does the church look like today?

The structure standing today dates from 1905 and replaced an earlier building of Gothic origin. That older church underwent a major rebuild between 1844 and 1848 before ultimately being demolished in 1894. The current building is a single-nave, rectangular hall closed by a semi-circular apse, with a distinctive tower rising from the facade - the same tower that makes the church recognizable from a considerable distance across the open countryside.

Why was the church built on this particular spot?

Its position at the center of Stračov is no accident: the church has long served as the anchor around which the rest of the village grew. Set within a tidy, garden-like square, the building's surroundings reinforce its status as the visual and social center of the community, drawing both locals and passing travelers.

What has changed in recent decades?

Between 1997 and 1998, the church underwent a thorough reconstruction, carried out jointly by the municipality and the parish. The work included, among other things, the installation of festive lighting that highlights the building's silhouette after dark. That shared effort has kept the church in good structural condition and allowed it to continue serving its original religious purpose.

Is it an independent parish?

No - the church in Stračov operates as a branch church of the parish in Nechanice, a nearby town. Stračov itself is a small village of roughly 250 residents, situated along secondary road II/323, which links Nechanice with the I/35 highway near Hořice. Because of this location, travelers heading toward larger regional attractions often pass directly by the church, even though it is worth a stop in its own right.

Frequently asked questions

Is the current church a medieval building? No. The building standing in Stračov today was constructed in 1905. Its predecessor did have Gothic origins, but that older church was substantially rebuilt in the mid-19th century and then torn down in 1894, making today's structure a relatively modern one.

What is the most distinctive feature of the church? Its slender facade tower, visible from far across the surrounding landscape, combined with the simple single-nave layout and semi-circular apse.

Can visitors go inside? As an active place of worship and a branch of the Nechanice parish, the church primarily serves its liturgical function, so it's worth checking local service times before planning a visit.

How do you get to the church in Stračov? The village sits on road II/323, connecting Nechanice with the I/35 highway near Hořice, making it a straightforward stop for anyone traveling between those two points.