Church of Saint Sigismund

The Church of Saint Sigismund in Stráž pod Ralskem stands at the corner of Mimoňská and U Potoka streets, in the Česká Lípa district of the Liberec region. This Baroque Roman Catholic church replaced a much older Gothic building that once stood on the same site.

What is the history behind the church?

A Gothic parish church dedicated to Saint Nicholas stood here from the 13th century. In 1413, when the estate passed to the Vartenberg family, the dedication was changed to Saint Sigismund, and that name has remained ever since. The building visitors see today dates from much later: between 1772 and 1779, Count František Hartig commissioned a new late-Baroque church on the same spot, replacing the older structure. Architect J.J. Kunz oversaw both the demolition of the Gothic church and the construction of the new one. The new church was consecrated on 2 May 1781.

What is around the church?

A Baroque rectory from the same period stands right next to the church. Nearby there is also a cemetery and a small park containing a statue of Emperor Joseph II. The church and rectory together are protected as a cultural monument, reflecting their historical and architectural importance for the region.

What can visitors see inside?

The interior holds paintings by the Czech artist Josef Führich, created between 1841 and 1844. They depict the Good Shepherd, Saint Ignatius, and the Gospel scene "Let the little children come to me." The organ pipes have a history of their own: originally from Cheb, they were moved to Děčín in 1953, and in 2000 part of them were bought back to Stráž pod Ralskem. Organ builder Pavel Truhlář and his son reinstalled and repaired the instrument, so it can be heard on site again.

Was the church ever closed?

Yes. The church was closed to worshippers in 1960, and the building served for a time as a storage space. It later regained its original religious function.

Who is this place for?

The Church of Saint Sigismund will appeal to visitors interested in the sacred architecture of the Liberec region, as well as anyone exploring Stráž pod Ralskem who wants to see a modest but historically interesting monument, complete with a Baroque rectory, a cemetery, and an imperial statue right next to it.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the church in Stráž pod Ralskem dedicated to? The church has been dedicated to Saint Sigismund since 1413, when the estate passed to the Vartenberg family. Before that, from the 13th century, a church dedicated to Saint Nicholas stood on the site.

In what style was the current church built? The current building was constructed in the late-Baroque style between 1772 and 1779, commissioned by Count František Hartig.

Who oversaw the construction of the present church? Architect J.J. Kunz oversaw the demolition of the old church and the construction of the new one. The new church was consecrated on 2 May 1781.

What stood here before the current church? A 13th-century Gothic parish church dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

Is there a cemetery near the church? Yes, right next to the church there is a cemetery and a small park with a statue of Emperor Joseph II.

What paintings can be seen inside? Paintings by Josef Führich from 1841-1844, depicting the Good Shepherd, Saint Ignatius, and the scene "Let the little children come to me."