Church of the Nativity, Opočno

The Church of the Nativity is a Roman Catholic conventual church on Kupkovo Square in Opočno, in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic. Built as part of a Capuchin monastery complex, it remains, alongside the Church of the Holy Trinity near the castle, one of only two active Catholic churches in the town.

Who decided to found the monastery, and when?

The Capuchin order's provincial chapter decided to establish a new convent in Opočno in 1673. Count Louis Colloredo of Waldsee and his wife, Maria Eleonora of Sinzendorf, backed the plan and became its founders. The foundation stone for the new complex was laid on 30 June 1674, and the church itself, set in the north-eastern corner of the newly laid-out square, was built between 1676 and 1678.

Who designed and built the church?

The design came from the Capuchin architect Bruno of České Budějovice, while construction was carried out by the Italian builder Bernard Minelli. The result is a typically restrained Capuchin building — plain rather than ornate, but carefully proportioned in an early Baroque style. Together with the adjoining monastery, the church forms a distinctive complex of early Baroque architecture, notable within the region.

How long did the Capuchins remain in Opočno?

The monastery served the Capuchin order right up until the arrival of the communist regime. The friars continued their work here until 1950, when the communist authorities dissolved the community and repurposed the monastery buildings. The church itself, however, has remained in use as a place of worship.

What does the main altarpiece show?

The centerpiece of the interior is the high altar, dating from the first half of the 18th century. Its painting depicts the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem, directly echoing the church's dedication. In the lower right corner of the composition is a portrait of the monastery's founder, Louis Colloredo of Waldsee, holding a model of the church, together with his wife Maria Eleonora and daughter Marie Antonie.

What role does the church play today?

Today the Church of the Nativity is one of two active Roman Catholic churches in Opočno, the other being the parish Church of the Holy Trinity near the castle. The building is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It is also tied to a local pilgrimage feast known as the Porciuncula, held on the first Sunday of August and drawing visitors from across the region.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Church of the Nativity located? On Kupkovo Square in Opočno, in the Hradec Králové Region of the Czech Republic.

When was the church built? Between 1676 and 1678, after the foundation stone for the wider monastery complex was laid on 30 June 1674.

Who funded the church's construction? Count Louis Colloredo of Waldsee and his wife, Maria Eleonora of Sinzendorf.

Who designed the building? The Capuchin architect Bruno of České Budějovice, with construction carried out by the Italian builder Bernard Minelli.

Until when did the Capuchins use the monastery? Until 1950, when the communist authorities dissolved the order's community in Opočno.

What is worth seeing inside? The early 18th-century high altar depicting the Nativity of Christ, along with a portrait of the founder and his family.

What feast is associated with the church? The Porciuncula pilgrimage feast, celebrated on the first Sunday of August.