Kostel sv. Bartoloměje (Běšiny, Česko)

Kostel sv. Bartoloměje is a striking Gothic church ruin hidden in the forests of the Šumava foothills, a few kilometers from the village of Běšiny in the Klatovy district. It pairs the quiet of a woodland trail with a history stretching back to the 14th century and a pilgrimage tradition that continues to this day.

Where is the ruin located?

The remains of the church stand roughly 2.5 km east of Běšiny, at an elevation of nearly 690 meters, deep inside a forest and far from any settlement. Reaching it means following forest paths and marked hiking trails typical of the Šumava region, a favorite area for visitors looking for lesser-known destinations around Klatovy.

What is the history behind it?

The church was built in Gothic style around 1370 as the parish church for the nearby settlement of Podolí, which no longer exists today. It served the local community for centuries, but in 1579 it was destroyed by fire. Despite the damage, the building was rebuilt and continued to function as a place of worship for decades afterward.

Its religious role came to an end during the Josephine reforms of the late 18th century. At the request of local residents and by decision of the Bishop of České Budějovice in 1788, the church was closed, and its furnishings were transferred to the castle church in Běšiny. Left abandoned, the building gradually fell into ruin, exposed to weather and time.

What remains to see today?

Only sections of the perimeter walls have survived. The lower courses were built from regularly cut granite blocks, while the upper sections consist of rougher rubble stone, with no trace of plaster remaining. Without a roof or interior, the ruin has a raw, atmospheric character typical of the forgotten forest churches of the Šumava region.

Despite its condition, the site has not been forgotten. Every year at the end of August, a traditional pilgrimage honoring Saint Bartholomew is held here, echoing the church's former patron saint. The event draws both local residents and visitors interested in the region's history.

Who is this place for?

The ruins of Kostel sv. Bartoloměje appeal to travelers who enjoy combining a forest walk with the discovery of forgotten heritage sites. This is not a destination with built-up tourist infrastructure — there are no ticket booths, shops, or parking directly at the site. The appeal lies in the atmosphere itself: silence, trees surrounding stone walls, and the awareness of standing on ground that served as the religious heart of a local community for more than four centuries.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the church of sv. Bartoloměje? It was built in Gothic style around 1370, making it more than 650 years old.

Why did the church fall into ruin? After a fire in 1579 it was rebuilt, but in 1788, as part of the Josephine reforms, the Bishop of České Budějovice ordered it closed and its furnishings moved to Běšiny. The abandoned building has been decaying ever since.

What has survived from the original structure? Fragments of the perimeter walls remain — granite blocks in the lower courses, rubble stone above, with no surviving plaster.

Are any events still held at the ruins? Yes, a traditional pilgrimage honoring Saint Bartholomew takes place at the end of August each year.

How far is the ruin from Běšiny? It lies about 2.5 km east of the village, at an elevation of nearly 690 meters, deep within the forest.