Church of Saint Lawrence

The Church of Saint Lawrence stands in Drahotuše, a former independent village that today forms part of the town of Hranice in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic. Its tall tower makes it the most recognizable landmark of this part of town.

What is the history behind the church?

The parish of Drahotuše is documented as far back as 1371, the date of the earliest surviving written record. Before the present church was built, a smaller stone building dedicated to the same saint stood on the site; only the lower section of its tower survives today, dated to construction work carried out around 1534-1535. The much larger church seen today was raised between 1784 and 1788 to a late Baroque design overseen by Josef Gorig, a builder from Nový Jičín. Formal consecration, however, did not take place until the summer of 1810, when it was carried out by the Bishop of Olomouc, Alois Kolovrat Krakovský.

How has the building changed since then?

In 1854 the roof was re-covered in slate, the towers were repaired, and the interior was repainted. New altars were installed at the same time, with paintings of Saint Lawrence on the main altar and Saint Valentine and Our Lady of Sorrows on the side altars. A further milestone came in 1901, when Archbishop Theodor Kohn consecrated a new marble main altar carved by the academic sculptor Ferdinand Neumann, completed three years earlier. After the Second World War, in 1946, a full renovation of the interior was finished and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes was established.

What should visitors look for inside?

The interior holds several noteworthy pieces. The oldest and most valuable is a sculptural group of Christ with Saint John the Baptist, placed above the baptismal font. Most of the remaining carved and painted decoration dates from the 19th century and came from Viennese workshops. The tower holds bells cast in 1585 and 1607 - older than the current building itself, suggesting they survived from the earlier church or were later transferred into the new one. The two-manual organ dates from 1806 and was restored in 2001.

How do you get there, and when is the best time to visit?

Drahotuše sits along the main road running through Hranice, so the church is easy to reach by car or by local transport from the town centre. The late Baroque facade shows best on sunny days, when its light-coloured front stands out clearly against the surroundings. It is worth checking the local events calendar, since the church regularly takes part in the Night of Churches, when it opens to visitors outside regular service hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the church in Drahotuše? The current building dates from 1784-1788, but the site's religious history goes back to the 16th century - the lower part of the tower survives from the earlier church.

Can visitors go inside? Yes, the church is open during services, and it also takes part once a year in the Night of Churches, when visiting is made easier.

What is the most valuable object inside? The carved group of Christ and Saint John the Baptist above the baptismal font is considered the oldest piece of decoration.

Is Drahotuše a separate town? Today it is part of Hranice in the Olomouc Region, though it was once an independent village with its own parish first recorded in 1371.