Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Bezdružice is a branch church standing in the centre of the small town of Bezdružice, in the Tachov District of the Plzeň Region, in western Czechia. The church belongs to the parish of Konstantinovy Lázně and has been protected as a cultural monument since 1958.

What is the history behind the church?

Bezdružice has been documented since the 13th century, yet for a long time the town had no church of its own and belonged instead to a parish centred on a Church of St Wenceslas in a nearby village. The first record of an actual church standing in Bezdružice dates to 1515, connected with the casting of a bell paid for by Jiří Bezdružický of Kolowrat, the estate's owner at the time.

The building visitors see today was constructed in 1710-1711, while the estate was in the hands of the Berlepsch family. The new church was given a simple plan with a rectangular nave and a tripartite presbytery; although it was most likely built anew, masonry elements from the earlier, original church remain visible within the walls. The tower was added later, in 1723.

What architectural style does it show?

The church combines Gothic, Baroque and Empire-style elements. Its Gothic origin is most visible in the polygonally closed presbytery, reinforced by external buttresses. Inside, the church preserves two notable historic items: figural tombstones of the Kolowrat family dating to 1525, and a Renaissance baptismal font.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Bezdružice is a small town in the Tachov District whose skyline also includes a local chateau. The church stands right by the town centre, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring Bezdružice itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the current church in Bezdružice built? The present building dates from 1710-1711, although the first record of a church on this site goes back to 1515.

Which parish does the church belong to? It is a branch church of the parish of Konstantinovy Lázně.

Since when has the church been a protected monument? It has been protected as a cultural monument since 1958.

What architectural features stand out? The polygonal, Gothic-derived presbytery with external buttresses stands out against the otherwise Baroque and Empire-style building, topped by a tower added in 1723.

What can be seen inside the church? Inside are preserved figural tombstones of the Kolowrat family from 1525 and a Renaissance baptismal font.