Church of All Saints

Situated on a gentle rise approximately 1.2 kilometers from the bustling center of Plzeň, the Church of All Saints (Kostel Všech svatých) stands as one of the city's oldest and most historically significant landmarks. This charming church, once referred to as the mother of the town's churches during the medieval period, offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the architectural and cultural evolution of the region.

The Historical Tapestry of the Church of All Saints

The origins of the Church of All Saints are shrouded in the mists of time, with its foundation linked to the now-vanished villages of Malice or Záhoří, which existed in the area during the 13th century. From this era, remnants of Romanesque masonry can still be found in the sacristy, hinting at the church's ancient beginnings. In 1322, the German knights asserted their patronage rights over the churches in Plzeň, designating the newly constructed Church of St. Bartholomew as the parish church. Consequently, the Church of All Saints became a filial church.

Around 1380, the church underwent significant reconstruction. Records of donations up to 1387 suggest that the building process spanned several years. Architectural features from this period, such as the flame-like tracery of the windows and the semi-circular portal leading to the sacristy, have been preserved. The church's character evolved over time, with notable additions including a private chapel to the north of the presbytery, later used as a sacristy, and vaulted with a rare three-part cross vault.

During the Hussite Wars, the church suffered partial destruction. Repairs were subsequently carried out, and in 1460, the church was consecrated by Bishop Nicholas of Molenots. Further modifications and enhancements were documented between 1495 and 1521. The 16th century saw the Renaissance-style vaulting of the presbytery and the nave, with an inscription on the north wall of the nave indicating its completion in 1590. The surrounding area was significantly altered in 1554 to improve the defense of nearby Plzeň.

By the end of the 16th century, a choir loft was added, and the walls were adorned with religious motifs and inscriptions. During the Thirty Years' War, soldiers under the command of Mansfeld converted the church into a sheepfold. In 1743, a Baroque porch designed by Jakub Auguston was added to the southern side of the nave, obscuring the original Gothic portal.

The Architectural Splendor of the Church of All Saints

The Church of All Saints is a single-nave structure with a presbytery on the eastern side. Its architectural style evolved from Romanesque to Gothic and Baroque through various reconstructions. The original structure's perimeter walls of the presbytery remain intact, while the sacristy, once a private chapel, adds significant artistic value to the building.

The church features three entrance portals on the north, south, and east sides of the nave, with the northern portal now sealed off. The southern Gothic portal, with its pear-shaped profile, is now part of the Baroque porch added in 1743. This porch, with its concave sidewalls and casement windows, serves as the main entrance. The facade is adorned with disproportionate pilasters, culminating in a balustrade with oval openings.

Exploring the Interior of the Church of All Saints

The nave of the Church of All Saints is vaulted with a cross vault supported by ornate consoles. A choir loft, added in the late 16th century, houses an organ and features stone Renaissance pulpit. The walls and ceiling are decorated with plastic signs and painted decorations, including inscriptions documenting various repairs and restorations over the centuries.

In 1913, ongoing restoration work revealed Renaissance wall paintings on the choir loft and presbytery walls. These paintings depict scenes from the Old Testament, apostles, and Czech patrons such as St. Wenceslas, St. Adalbert, St. Procopius, and St. Ludmila. Despite damage from overpainting, water infiltration, and fire, these murals were meticulously restored by Prague-based academic painters in the late 20th century.

The Presbytery and Sacristy

The presbytery, connected to the nave by a stepped portal in the shape of a pointed arch, is vaulted with a network vault ending in a pentagonal closure. The vaults rest on rectangular capitals topping the interior columns. A wide sedile, or stone seat, is embedded in the southern wall of the presbytery. The ceiling of the presbytery features a restored Renaissance noble coat of arms, belonging to families who contributed to the church's construction.

The sacristy, originally a private chapel, boasts a unique three-part cross vault supported by consoles embedded in the chapel's supporting pillars. This vault is comparable to the vault of the southern porch of St. Vitus Cathedral, built by the Parler construction workshop. The sacristy also contains a remnant of a stone liturgical basin, known as a lavabo, uncovered beneath layers of plaster.

A Living Monument

The Church of All Saints is not just a historical monument but a living part of the community. Managed by the Franciscan brothers, it is maintained and restored with the help of local residents and civic associations. The church, with its rich history and architectural beauty, continues to be a place of worship and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Plzeň community.

Visiting the Church of All Saints offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the layers of history that have shaped this remarkable building. From its Romanesque beginnings to its Gothic and Baroque transformations, the church stands as a symbol of resilience and faith, inviting visitors to discover its stories and marvel at its timeless beauty.