Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is a Baroque monastery church in Nové Město nad Metují, a small town in the Náchod District of the Hradec Králové Region in eastern Czechia. Built as part of a former monastery of the Brothers Hospitallers (the "Merciful Brothers"), it remains one of the town's most significant religious landmarks.

Where is the church located?

The church stands in the historic core of Nové Město nad Metují, a town in the Kladské pomezí region near the Polish border. The nearest larger town is Náchod, while Nové Město nad Metují itself is best known to visitors for its Renaissance chateau and picturesque main square. The monastery church sits right next to these landmarks, making it easy to combine a visit with a walk through the rest of the historic town.

What is the history behind the church?

The monastery to which the church belongs was founded in 1692 by Jakub Leslie, then owner of the Nové Město estate. The foundation carried a personal weight: his uncle, imperial general Walter Leslie, had acquired these lands after taking part in the assassination of Albrecht von Wallenstein (Valdštejn) in February 1634, and building a monastery of the Brothers Hospitallers is often linked to an attempt to atone for that family guilt. The project was completed by Leopold Leslie, and in 1767 the monastery church was consecrated under the name of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary; construction of the church itself ran from 1767 to 1769. The bell tower had already been built earlier, in 1750, as part of the wider monastery complex.

What can you see inside?

The interior follows the Baroque style typical of the period. The main altar is dominated by a painting depicting the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, created by Jan Cymbal in 1765, alongside a smaller painting of the Holy Family. The organ dates from 1848 and was built by F. A. Hanysche. The church forms part of a larger monastery complex that also includes a Loreta chapel — the two are worth visiting together, since they stand side by side and form a coherent architectural whole from the era of the Brothers Hospitallers.

What is the church's connection to Bedřich Smetana?

The building also has a small place in the history of Czech music. On 15 August 1840, during a pilgrimage Mass, a sixteen-year-old Bedřich Smetana — then visiting relatives in Nové Město — performed a violin solo. He was accompanied by the singing of his cousin and first love, Louisa Smetanová. It is one of the lesser-known but memorable episodes from the early life of the future composer of "The Bartered Bride."

When is the best time to visit?

The church is best visited during the warmer months, when access to the interior tends to be easier and a walk through the old town of Nové Město nad Metují — with its chateau and main square nearby — is at its most pleasant. It's worth checking opening hours with the local parish in advance, since the church remains an active parish church of the Hradec Králové Diocese, and access can depend on the schedule of services.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the monastery with the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary? The monastery of the Brothers Hospitallers was founded in 1692 by Jakub Leslie and completed by Leopold Leslie in 1767, when the church itself was consecrated.

Why is the foundation linked to the Leslie family and Wallenstein? The Nové Město estate passed to the Leslie family after Walter Leslie took part in the 1634 assassination of Albrecht von Wallenstein; the monastery's construction is often seen as an attempt to atone for that family guilt.

What is on the main altar? The main altar features a 1765 painting of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary by Jan Cymbal, together with a smaller painting of the Holy Family.

What is Bedřich Smetana's connection to the church? In 1840, at age sixteen, Smetana performed a violin solo here during a pilgrimage Mass, accompanied by the singing of his cousin, Louisa Smetanová.