sv. Máří Magdaleny

The Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Kunčice pod Ondřejníkem is the Roman Catholic parish church and the most recognizable landmark of this village at the foot of the Beskids, located in the Frýdek-Místek District, Moravian-Silesian Region of Czechia.

Where exactly does the church stand?

The church rises at the heart of the parish cemetery grounds. The whole area is enclosed by an ornate wrought-iron gate, and access is free, so visitors can walk around the building and take a closer look even without waiting for the church itself to open.

What does the building look like?

It is an imposing single-nave structure, closed off on the presbytery side by a gentle semicircular apse. A massive, square tower is built into the main facade, visible from a large part of the village and serving as the settlement's main landmark. The exterior facade is kept in a plain, classicist style, with no excessive ornamentation and a clear architectural layout. This restrained exterior stands in sharp contrast to the richly decorated interior of the church.

What is the history of this site?

The history of this sacred site in Kunčice goes back to 1672, when the Bishop of Olomouc consecrated a wooden chapel here. For decades it served the local community — above all the settlers clearing the surrounding forests for farmland (known locally as pasekáři), cottagers, and workers from a nearby glassworks. Over time, however, the wooden structure deteriorated so badly that it had to be demolished by 1814. On its site, between 1812 and 1814, a new masonry church was built, which still stands today and continues to serve as the parish church.

What legend is connected with the church?

A local legend is closely tied to the history of this place. According to the story, a poor shepherdess found a miraculous statuette of Mary Magdalene on a nearby paseka (a cleared forest patch). The statuette was said to move on its own and speak to the girl. In local tradition, this story explains why the successive churches built on this spot since the 17th century have been dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.

Why is this stop worth a visit?

The church in Kunčice pod Ondřejníkem is an interesting destination for anyone exploring the Moravian-Silesian Beskids who is looking not only for hiking trails but also for local history and sacred architecture. The combination of a plain, classicist exterior with a richly decorated interior, set within the grounds of a historic cemetery, makes it worth a short stop even if the main goal of the trip is the nearby Ondřejník hill.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the church in Kunčice pod Ondřejníkem dedicated to? The church is dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene.

When was the current church building built? The current masonry building was constructed between 1812 and 1814, on the site of an older wooden chapel from 1672 that was demolished due to its poor condition.

Where exactly is the church located? In the center of the village of Kunčice pod Ondřejníkem, in the Frýdek-Místek District, Moravian-Silesian Region, on the grounds of the parish cemetery.

Is the area around the church open to visitors? Yes, the cemetery grounds surrounding the church are freely accessible, with an entrance through an ornate wrought-iron gate.

What legend is associated with this place? Local tradition tells of a poor shepherdess who found a miraculous statuette of Mary Magdalene in a forest clearing — a statuette said to move and speak to her.