Church of Saint Nicholas

Church of Saint Nicholas in Kašperské Hory is the oldest surviving building in town and one of the most valuable Gothic monuments in the Šumava region. The church sits on a modest rise beside a former cemetery, set back from the main square, which gives it a quiet, self-contained feel that's quite different from the lively town center nearby.

Where did this church come from?

The church was built before 1330, during the early Gothic period, likely on the site of a smaller sanctuary that had previously served as both a parish center and a cemetery. The oldest written record of the settlement around the church dates from a document from August 24, 1345, in which a man named Hermannus de sancto Nicolao donated a field to the church's endowment. Construction of the building was closely tied to the growth of local gold mining — it was the miners working the pits around Kašperské Hory who built the church and worshipped there.

What is there to see, inside and out?

The Church of Saint Nicholas is a Gothic three-aisled basilica with an elongated presbytery closed on five sides and a tower attached on the northern side. The original west portal survives, dated to 1315 — one of the oldest elements of the whole structure. Inside, look for the stone ribs of the original vaulting, stone portals, and a tombstone bearing an inscription from 1347, evidence of just how long the church has been in continuous use. Gothic frescoes from 1332 remain on the walls, and above visitors' heads stretches a painted wooden ceiling dating from the 17th century. Despite alterations at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, the church kept its original Gothic character — something of a rarity in a region where many churches were heavily reworked in Baroque style.

How do you get there?

Kašperské Hory lies in southwestern Bohemia, in the heart of Šumava, and is well connected by local roads to Sušice and Prachatice. The Church of Saint Nicholas stands at the edge of the historic town center, a short walk from the main square — a few minutes on foot is enough to reach the former churchyard. It makes a good stop while exploring the town, easily combined with a visit to the nearby Kašperk Castle.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer is the best time to come, since guided tours of the interior are organized during that season — it's worth checking the town's local events calendar before your visit, as access inside can be limited outside the summer months. The area around the church, with its old cemetery and views of the Šumava hills, is open year-round and makes for a peaceful stop while touring the town.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Church of Saint Nicholas the oldest building in Kašperské Hory? Yes, it's the oldest surviving structure in town, built before 1330 — older than the development around the main square itself.

What is the church's history connected to? Medieval gold mining — the church was built and used by miners working the surrounding gold mines.

What are the most valuable surviving features inside? Gothic frescoes from 1332, stone portals and vault ribs, a tombstone inscribed in 1347, and a painted wooden ceiling from the 17th century.

Can you visit the interior? Yes, guided tours are organized especially in summer — check the current schedule before visiting, since access outside the season can be limited.