Church of Saint John the Baptist

The Church of Saint John the Baptist in Brenná is a modest place of worship in the Česká Lípa District, standing right beside the road leading to Zákupy. It draws far fewer visitors than famous regional landmarks, but for anyone interested in quiet corners of the Liberec Region, it's worth a stop.

What is the history behind the church?

Brenná was once an independent village, and a wooden church already stood here in the 14th century. The current brick building dates from 1723–1725, commissioned by Anna Maria Franziska of Tuscany, the Grand Duchess who owned the extensive Zákupy estate at the time and was known for her piety and church patronage across the region. In 1863 the building underwent a Neo-Gothic renovation, which brought new organs and refreshed painted decoration to the interior.

What condition is the church in today?

Since around 2010 the church has no longer served its original religious function and has fallen into disrepair. In recent years, however, slow repair works have been carried out to prevent further deterioration. The building is listed as a cultural monument under reference number 31091/5-2856, confirming its historical and architectural value despite its current technical state.

How do you get to the church in Brenná?

Brenná lies on the right-hand side of the road when driving toward Zákupy, within the Česká Lípa District of the Liberec Region. The easiest way to reach it is by car, since public transport in the area is limited and the church itself sits away from the main tourist routes. Its approximate coordinates are 50.6565 N, 14.639 E, useful for GPS navigation.

What can you see on site?

Because of the building's poor technical condition, access to the interior may be restricted or unavailable — it's worth checking before visiting. The overall structure, despite years of neglect, still shows clear traces of early 18th-century Baroque architecture enriched with Neo-Gothic details added during the 19th-century renovation. It stands as an interesting example of rural sacred architecture in the region, and also illustrates a wider issue affecting many such monuments in the Czech countryside — a lack of funds for full restoration.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and summer months are the best time to visit, when access to the area is easiest and the surroundings look their most attractive. Combining a stop here with a longer trip through the Zákupy area and the wider Liberec Region, alongside other local landmarks, makes for a worthwhile detour.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church in Brenná open to visitors? Due to its poor technical condition, access to the interior is sometimes restricted — it's best to check the current situation locally or in advance.

When was the church built? The current brick building dates from 1723–1725, although a wooden church had already stood on the site since the 14th century.

Who funded the church? Construction was financed by Anna Maria Franziska of Tuscany, the owner of the Zákupy estate at the time.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it is listed as a cultural monument under reference number 31091/5-2856.