Audio nahrávka ke kostelu sv. Máří Magdaleny: Kostel sv. Máří Magdaleny.mp3
GPS souřadnice:
50°31'39.479"N
16°21'53.034"E
Audio nahrávka ke kostelu sv. Máří Magdaleny: Kostel sv. Máří Magdaleny.mp3
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Božanov is one of the most significant Baroque religious monuments in the Broumov region. Since July 1, 2022, it has been protected as a National Cultural Monument. It belongs to the unique group of rural Baroque churches designed or inspired by the famous architect Christoph Ignaz Dientzenhofer. Among them, the Božanov church stands out as one of the most architecturally demanding, both in its design and in its importance within the urban structure of the village.
History
The first records of a sacred building on this site date back to 1384, when the original Church of St. Bartholomew stood here. This earlier church served as a filial church until 1626 and was briefly administered by Protestants between 1604 and 1621. It was later returned to Catholic use and managed by the abbots of Břevnov and Broumov, who held patronage rights over the area. Construction of the present church began in 1709 under Abbot Otmar Zinke but was not completed until 1743, during the leadership of Abbot Benno Löbl. The building progressed in two main phases: the first included the start of construction and rebuilding of the tower, and the second phase (1735–1743) was based on a design attributed to Christoph Ignaz Dientzenhofer. Although not fully confirmed, his authorship is highly probable. Complex construction techniques were used during the building process—for example, the unbroken dome vault of the church, which required the architect's personal supervision due to its technical difficulty.
Architecture
The church is located on a slightly elevated hill in the center of Božanov, right next to the main road connecting Broumov and Martínkovice. This central position makes the church a visual and symbolic focal point of the village, significantly shaping its urban layout. The church has a unique floor plan: a circular layout with an elliptical entrance area and a square tower positioned on the southern side. The main northern façade features a statue of St. Mary Magdalene set in a niche, and the exterior is adorned with pilasters and arched windows. A Gothic relief of the Flagellation from the 16th century is mounted on the tower. The church grounds also include a late Gothic entrance gate to the cemetery from the 15th century, a stone cemetery wall, and two sandstone crucifix sculptures from the second half of the 18th century, all contributing to the historical character of the site.
Interior
The main altar is Neo-Baroque, while the side altars date from the first half of the 18th century and are decorated with Baroque statues of saints including St. Margaret and St. Catherine. The opposite altar features a Crucifixion scene within an ornately carved Rococo frame. A richly decorated Rococo pulpit and paintings of Saints Peter and Paul from the mid-18th century are among the interior highlights. The vaulting of the interior is also architecturally remarkable—with an eight-part domed vault over the central space and a cloister vault in the presbytery, creating a monumental and harmonious atmosphere.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Church of St. Mary Magdalene is not only the architectural centerpiece of Božanov but also a key part of the cultural heritage of the Broumov region. It plays a vital role in shaping the identity of the village and stands as a prominent landmark in the surrounding landscape. Its construction reflects the rich Baroque tradition deeply rooted in the area and illustrates the historical complexity of the region. Together with other sacred buildings, this church symbolizes the Benedictine legacy and its influence on local architecture and culture.
Present Use and Restoration
The church remains an active place of worship, hosting regular religious services. It is also open to visitors interested in history, art, and architecture. In recent decades, the church has undergone extensive restoration. Between 1996 and 2000, over 10 million CZK were invested in repairs. Nevertheless, further efforts are still needed to preserve this cultural treasure, as maintaining it is crucial for safeguarding the region’s historical identity and cultural wealth.
Local Context and Interesting Facts
The village of Božanov was founded in the 13th century, and the church has always been its central feature. The original medieval village was arranged around the church, which confirms its long-standing urban and symbolic importance. The church stands at the crossroads of former trade and pilgrimage routes connecting Broumov with what is now Poland. This strategic location highlights the church’s significance not only as a religious landmark but also as a center of social life.
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