svatý Bartoloměj

St. Bartholomew's Church in Litultovice is a modest but well-kept parish church at the heart of this Moravian-Silesian township in the Opava District. It makes a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the countryside around Opava who wants an authentic, uncrowded place off the main tourist track.

How old is the church?

The building standing today was constructed between 1844 and 1847 in a historicist (eclectic) style, laid out as a single-nave church with an offset chancel. It was consecrated in 1849. That said, the current structure is not the first church on this spot — a church of the same dedication stood in Litultovice long before, with written records going back to 1480. In other words, this has been a place of worship for over five centuries, even though the visible building itself is a 19th-century one.

What can you see inside?

Inside, the church holds a small treat for anyone interested in sacred sculpture: statues of two Church Fathers carved by Jan Jiří Lehner. These figures were not made for Litultovice originally — they were brought here from the Dominican monastery in Opava, a detail that hints at the turbulent history of religious property in Silesia following the dissolution of monastic houses. They are worth seeking out, since they are among the few furnishings in the church with a documented origin and a named sculptor.

Is the church still in use?

Yes. St. Bartholomew's remains a living parish church — it serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Parish of Litultovice. Regular services are held here, and the building functions as the natural religious center of the village, alongside the town hall and square typical of Litultovice's status as a "městys," the historical equivalent of a market town.

How do you get to Litultovice?

Litultovice lies in the Opava District of the Moravian-Silesian Region, close to the Polish border. The easiest way to reach it is by car from Opava, the nearest larger city, from where local roads lead directly to the village. The church sits at roughly 49.9031 N, 17.7524 E, which makes it easy to find with GPS navigation. It's worth planning a short stop here as part of a broader trip through the Opava District rather than a standalone destination.

When is the best time to visit?

Since this is an active parish church, it's best to time a visit outside of service hours, or to arrange access to see the Lehner sculptures when no mass is underway. Spring and summer are also pleasant seasons for a walk through the village itself, which has retained the relaxed atmosphere of a small Moravian-Silesian town.

Frequently asked questions

How old is St. Bartholomew's Church in Litultovice? The current building dates from 1844–1847 and was consecrated in 1849, but an earlier church with the same dedication stood on the site as far back as 1480.

What is the most notable feature inside the church? Statues of two Church Fathers carved by Jan Jiří Lehner, originally brought from the Dominican monastery in Opava.

Is the church still used for worship? Yes, it is an active parish church of the Roman Catholic Parish of Litultovice, holding regular services.

Where exactly is the church located? In the village of Litultovice, in the Opava District of the Moravian-Silesian Region in the Czech Republic, at approximately 49.9031 N, 17.7524 E.