Church of Saint Lawrence

The Church of Saint Lawrence in Jezvé is a Baroque parish church standing on a rise in the small village of Jezvé, in the Českolipsko area of the Liberec Region, roughly 6 kilometers west of Česká Lípa. Listed as a protected cultural monument, the church is the clear architectural landmark of the surrounding countryside, its tower visible from a distance across the fields.

How old is the church, really?

The site's religious history reaches far back before the building visitors see today. Records confirm a church already stood in Jezvé in 1352, meaning the location has served as a place of worship since the Middle Ages. That earlier structure did not survive: it was torn down in July 1746, and work on a replacement began almost immediately. Construction of the current church ran for about a decade, from 1746 to 1756.

The design is credited to Anselmo Lurago, an Italian architect active in Bohemia during this period and known for mature Baroque church work. Decades after completion, in 1798, a major fire swept through Jezvé, destroying much of the village and damaging the church itself. The building survived that disaster and has remained the village's religious and visual center ever since.

What is inside the church?

The interior preserves a cohesive set of furnishings dating largely from around 1770, installed not long after construction finished. The oldest and most valuable piece is a Gothic statue of the Madonna, dated to around 1400 — an object considerably older than the current building, likely rescued from the earlier medieval church that once stood on the same spot.

The main altar was created in 1766 by sculptor Frantz Joseph Langhoff of nearby Markvartice. It is a representative example of regional woodcarving craft from that era, blending Baroque ornamentation with local artistic tradition. Together, the altar, the 1770s furnishings, and the Gothic Madonna trace several centuries of the site's history, from its medieval origins to its Baroque rebuilding.

Who should visit?

The church appeals mainly to visitors interested in the sacred architecture of the Českolipsko region and the broader trail of Baroque churches across northern Bohemia. It also makes a worthwhile stop for anyone traveling by car or bike between Česká Lípa and nearby villages. Because Jezvé sits away from the main tourist routes, the church can usually be viewed without crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the church located? The church stands in the village of Jezvé, in the Česká Lípa District of the Liberec Region, about 6 km west of the town of Česká Lípa.

When was the current building constructed? The present Baroque church was built between 1746 and 1756, replacing an older church demolished in 1746.

Who designed it? The architect was Anselmo Lurago, an Italian architect working in Bohemia at the time.

Are there older artifacts inside? Yes — the most valuable is a Gothic statue of the Madonna dated to around 1400, far older than the Baroque building itself.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it is listed as a Czech cultural monument (kulturní památka).