Church of Saint Martin

The Church of Saint Martin is the oldest surviving building in the Czech town of Sedlčany and one of the defining landmarks of its old town. This Roman Catholic parish church combines a Romanesque-Gothic tower with a later Gothic nave, and its story stretches back to the late 13th century.

How old is the church?

The exact founding date is unknown — the earliest surviving record of Sedlčany, from 1294, makes no mention of the church at all. Historians date the oldest surviving part of the building, its tower, to around 1270–1280, based on the distinctive Romanesque-Gothic windows preserved in its upper section. The tower remains the earliest witness to the site's construction history, predating everything else that stands today.

Why was the church rebuilt in the 14th century?

During the 14th century the church underwent a major reconstruction funded by the Rožmberk family, the lords and patrons of Sedlčany at the time. The most significant and best-documented building phase began in 1374, when brothers Peter and John of Rožmberk commissioned a new, tall rectangular presbytery in the High Gothic style. This investment gave the church much of the form still recognizable today and underlined its role as the religious center of a growing town.

Why is it considered an example of a fortified church?

The Church of Saint Martin is frequently cited as an example of a fortified church, a building type that served both religious and defensive purposes. Its compact form and massive tower allowed townspeople to take shelter within its walls during raids or periods of unrest, a common precaution for towns across Central Bohemia at the time. This dual role as sanctuary and refuge shaped the church's sturdy, practical architecture.

What was discovered inside the church?

The church drew fresh attention in 2016, when restoration work uncovered medieval frescoes hidden beneath later layers. Among the finds was a depiction of the Adoration of the Magi, along with a fragment of a painting showing the Baptism of Christ. These rediscovered wall paintings offer a rare glimpse of the church's medieval decoration and have since become a point of interest for art historians and visitors to Sedlčany alike.

What protected status does the church hold?

Given its historical and architectural value, the Church of Saint Martin has been listed as a protected cultural monument since 1958. This designation recognizes it as one of the most valuable sacred buildings in the Central Bohemian region and requires careful conservation — work that ultimately led to the 2016 discovery of the medieval frescoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Church of Saint Martin located? The church stands in the center of Sedlčany, in the Central Bohemian Region's Příbram District, and is the oldest surviving building in the town.

How old is the church? Its oldest part, the tower, was likely built between 1270 and 1280, while the current nave and presbytery date from the reconstruction that began in 1374.

Who funded the 14th-century rebuilding? The rebuilding, including the new presbytery, was funded by Peter and John of Rožmberk, the lords and patrons of Sedlčany at the time.

What was found in the church in 2016? Restoration work uncovered medieval frescoes, including a scene of the Adoration of the Magi and a fragment depicting the Baptism of Christ.