Church of Saint John the Baptist

The Church of Saint John the Baptist is the oldest and most recognisable religious landmark in Rtyně v Podkrkonoší, a small Czech town lying at the foot of the Krkonoše foothills, close to the Polish border. The church stands on a hill rising above the town square, making it visible from almost anywhere in town.

What is the history behind the church?

The original wooden Gothic church was most likely founded in the early 14th century by one of the lords of Vízmburk. It is first recorded as a parish church in 1350, and in 1367 the parish was placed under the parish of Boušín. The turbulent Hussite era did not spare the building — in 1421 the wooden chapel was burned down by Silesian troops.

The destroyed church was rebuilt, but over time the wooden structure again began to threaten collapse. It was only in 1679 that a masonry Baroque church replaced it, funded by Marie Benigna Piccolomini, then patroness of the Náchod estate. In 1768 the church underwent another renovation, during which a choir loft with an organ was added. An independent local parish was established in 1786, and the building formally gained the status of a parish church in 1854.

What can visitors see on site?

The most distinctive feature of the church complex is a freestanding, polygonal wooden bell tower standing in the churchyard cemetery. Built between 1592 and 1594, it still houses three bells — the oldest of which was cast in 1471, making it older than the tower itself. The entire complex, church and bell tower alike, is protected as a cultural monument. The plain, Baroque mass of the church contrasts with the dark timber silhouette of the bell tower, a combination that regularly draws photographers exploring the Podkrkonoší region.

How do you get there?

Rtyně v Podkrkonoší lies in the Hradec Králové region, close to Trutnov and Náchod, an area frequently visited by travellers heading toward the Krkonoše mountains or the Table Mountains (Broumovsko). The church sits on rising ground directly above the town centre, so the easiest approach is on foot from the main square — a short uphill walk of just a few minutes. The site's GPS coordinates are 50.5039533, 16.0700531, useful for anyone navigating the wider region by car.

When is the best time to visit?

The church is best seen during daylight hours, when sunlight brings out the contrast between the plastered Baroque church and the dark wood of the bell tower. As it remains an active parish church, the interior is generally accessible mainly during services or by prior arrangement with the parish — it is worth checking locally before planning a visit. The grounds around the church and cemetery, including the bell tower, remain freely accessible year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church open to visitors at all times? The interior, as an active parish church, is mainly accessible during services. The surrounding grounds and cemetery with the bell tower can be visited freely.

What is the oldest surviving element of the church complex? The oldest surviving element is the bell inside the wooden bell tower, cast in 1471 — older than the tower itself, which was built between 1592 and 1594.

Why does the church have its current masonry form? Its present Baroque appearance dates from a 1679 rebuilding, funded by Marie Benigna Piccolomini, then patroness of the Náchod estate, after the earlier wooden church began to threaten collapse.

Is it worth combining a visit with other regional sights? Yes — Rtyně v Podkrkonoší is close to Trutnov and Náchod, making the church a convenient stop for travellers touring the Podkrkonoší area on the way to the Krkonoše mountains.