Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Přišimasy)

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Přišimasy is a small but architecturally layered parish church in the Central Bohemian Region, in the Kolín District. Standing in the part of the village known as Horka, it blends traces of three building periods — Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance — making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the evolution of rural sacred architecture.

How old is the church?

The earliest traces of the building go back to the mid-13th century, when a Romanesque church first stood on this site. A fragment of a Romanesque window has survived on the northern wall of the nave to this day — the clearest physical evidence of that first construction phase, visible to anyone who examines the walls up close.

What changed over the following centuries?

In the 14th century the church was enlarged and rebuilt in the Gothic style, adapting its shape to the needs of a growing parish. The biggest transformation, however, came after 1575, when Renaissance influence prompted another rebuilding. During this phase the nave was significantly extended and enriched with Renaissance detailing. The work was financed by Václav Smiřický ze Smiřic, a member of a powerful Bohemian noble family who died in 1595 and who invested in a number of sacred buildings across the region during this period.

What does the church look like today?

The current structure is a single-nave building with a tower set within the width of the western façade — a layout typical of village churches in this region, giving the building a compact, recognizable silhouette. To the east, the nave is closed by a rectangular presbytery, with a sacristy attached to its northern wall. This arrangement — a west tower, a plain nave, and a rectangular presbytery — makes it possible to trace the successive building phases without needing specialist architectural knowledge.

Why is it worth a visit?

The church in Přišimasy is listed as a protected cultural monument, confirming its historical value despite its modest size. It is a place where three distinct building styles meet within a single structure — a rarity that can be appreciated thanks to well-preserved details such as the Romanesque window mentioned above. For travelers exploring the Kolín District, it makes a worthwhile addition to a route through the region's other historic sites.

Are services still held here?

Yes, the church remains an active parish church, with services held regularly on the first and second Sunday of each month. It is worth keeping this in mind when planning a visit if you want to see the interior rather than just the exterior.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the church located? In the village of Přišimasy, in the part known as Horka, in the Kolín District of the Central Bohemian Region.

What is the oldest surviving part of the building? The Romanesque window fragment on the northern wall of the nave, dating to the mid-13th century.

Who financed the Renaissance reconstruction? Václav Smiřický ze Smiřic, who died in 1595, funded the rebuilding after 1575 that significantly extended the nave.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it is listed as a cultural monument.

Can visitors see the interior? The church is an active parish church, with services held on the first and second Sunday of each month — the best opportunity to see the interior.