10 Must-See Wooden Churches and Bell Towers: Discover Hidden Gems Under Sun and Shade
In this edition of Which way out of boredom, we travel to Wallachia, specifically to Velké Karlovice. A must-see treasure here is the wooden Baroque Church of Our Lady of the Snows, built in 1754 and showcasing the late Baroque architecture. The church features an unusual Greek cross layout and an intricate design of perimeter walls with a total of 24 angles. Inside, you’ll find beautiful crystal chandeliers that were given to the church by Salomon Reich, the owner of the local glassworks in Karolinka.
Another charming wooden structure is the St. Nicholas Church, which is just two years older than the church in Velké Karlovice. This church is located in Veliny near Pardubice, and it boasts a wooden bell tower and a mortuary that dates back to 1750. Additionally, a picturesque wooden chapel from the Baroque period can also be found nearby. The Church of St. Peter and Paul in Albrechtice u Českého Těšín was built in 1766. A little bit younger is the timbered Tolerance Church in Velká Lhota, where Jan Karafiát, the author of the famous fairy tale book Bugs, served as pastor for two decades.
The three wooden churches located around Velké Losiny are also centuries old. The oldest of these is the Church of St. Michael in Maršík, which was completed in 1609. It is followed by the Church of St. Martin in Žárová, which is just two years younger. The youngest of the trio is the timbered Church of St. John of Nepomuk in Klepacov, built in 1783. This construction challenges an old legend claiming that the materials for all three churches were sourced from a single old wooden church that was destroyed in Losiny, with enough wood to build all three new structures.
A wooden church from the late 17th century, St. Nicholas Church, is now located in Nová Paka after several relocations. Originally from Subcarpathian Rus, it was first dedicated to the Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God. The picturesque wooden bell tower in Rtynia v Podkrkonoší is among the most valued examples of Czech wooden bell towers, dating back to 1592. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of the town, the surrounding countryside, and the Krkonoše Mountains. Another remarkable monument is the Church of St. Bartholomew in Koši, which dates back to the late 14th century and features a wooden bell tower and a wooden covered bridge.
Wooden Churches & Bell Towers of the Czech Republic
Discover the country’s rich heritage of wooden sacred architecture—from faithful replicas to centuries-old originals—each with its own history, design, and cultural importance. Embark on scenic strolls through sunlit clearings or shaded groves to visit these remarkable monuments.
Třinec-Gutec: Church of the Corpus Christi (Replica)
A faithful reconstruction of the 16th-century wooden church lost to fire in August 2017. Located in Frýdek-Místek, it stands as a memorial to the national cultural monument that once graced this site.
Our Lady of the Snows (1754)
Built in a distinctive Greek-cross plan, its perimeter walls form a complex 24-angled shape. Inside hang crystal chandeliers donated by Salomon Reich of Karolinka glassworks, casting light across the carved timber interior.
Rtyně v Podkrkonoší Bell Tower (1592)
This towering wooden belfry affords breathtaking panoramas over the town and the rugged Krkonoše Mountains—an ideal vantage point for photographers and history lovers alike.
St. Nicholas, Veliny (1752)
Set near Pardubice, this church is paired with a wooden bell tower and adjoining mortuary, forming a harmonious ensemble of mid-18th-century design.
St. Michael’s Church, Maršíkovo (1609)
The oldest wooden church in the region, completed in 1609. Visits are by appointment only, offering an intimate look at early 17th-century craftsmanship in its original setting.
Visitor Tips
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Check opening hours and, where required, book appointments in advance.
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Wear sturdy footwear for forest-trail approaches.
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Combine visits with regional village tours to sample local crafts and refreshments.
Whether basking in dappled sunlight or strolling under ancient canopies, these wooden churches and bell towers provide a deeply atmospheric journey through Czech religious and architectural traditions.
