Church of Saint Wenceslaus (Horní Staré Město)

The Church of Saint Wenceslaus stands in Horní Staré Město, a historic district of Trutnov in northeastern Bohemia, and is regarded as the oldest surviving architectural monument in the entire town.

How do you get to the church?

The church sits in the eastern part of Trutnov, in the district of Horní Staré Město, near the heart of what was once a separate settlement later absorbed into the town. It serves as the parish church of the Trutnov II – Horní Staré Město parish and functions as a clear landmark within this part of town. The district is within easy walking distance or a short ride from central Trutnov, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the town on the way to or from the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains).

What is the history behind the building?

The church is first mentioned in written records in 1313, which makes it the oldest documented building in Trutnov. An earlier structure on the site was destroyed in 1421 and subsequently rebuilt in 1436. The architectural form visitors see today, however, dates from 1581 — the reconstruction that gave the church its present appearance. The foundations are early Gothic, but the building underwent several further stylistic changes over the centuries, leaving a visible mix of architectural layers from different periods. The church is today protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

What should you look for on the outside and inside?

On the western side of the tower, dating from the 1581 reconstruction, three carved stone heads have survived — an unusual reminder of the era of religious reformation. Local tradition holds that one of them resembles Martin Luther, a detail that makes the tower especially interesting for anyone curious about the region's religious history.

Inside, the space is dominated by a Baroque main altar featuring a painting of the church's patron, Saint Wenceslaus, created in the mid-18th century by the painter Ignác Russ. It's the natural centerpiece of the interior and a good starting point for exploring the rest of the church.

The most valuable object inside, though, is a Renaissance-era polychrome wooden epitaph — a memorial tombstone for the family of Kašpar Nuss, a royal forester who died in 1606. This carved and painted monument is a rare surviving example of Renaissance funerary art in the Krkonoše region and is worth seeking out even for visitors who don't usually follow art history closely.

When is the best time to visit?

The church still functions as an active Roman Catholic parish church, so it's worth planning a visit around service times and the hours when the building is open to sightseers rather than worshippers. Given its location in Trutnov, close to the foothills of the Krkonoše mountains, a visit pairs naturally with a hike or a day trip along nearby trails — spring, summer, and early autumn offer the best conditions for exploring the surrounding countryside on foot.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Church of Saint Wenceslaus the oldest monument in Trutnov? Yes. The first written mention of the church dates to 1313, making it the oldest surviving architectural monument in the town.

What remains from the original medieval building? The earlier church was destroyed in 1421 and rebuilt in 1436, but the architectural form seen today, including the stone heads on the tower, comes from the 1581 reconstruction.

What is the most valuable object inside the church? A Renaissance polychrome wooden epitaph commemorating the family of Kašpar Nuss, a royal forester who died in 1606 — a rare example of funerary art from that period.

Is the church still used for worship? Yes, it remains an active parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Trutnov II – Horní Staré Město.