Neratov - a church with a glass roof
A church with extraordinary architecture and a story
In the small settlement of Neratov, about 8 km northeast of Rokytnice in the Orlické Mountains, there is an unusual mountain settlement, dominated by an unusual church, right on the border with Poland. It is the restored Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is extraordinary with its unique glass roof and the story of its restoration. The church and the adjacent settlement are currently flourishing and attracting not only pilgrims and believers, but also tourists.
The church has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1992.
A moving history
The Baroque church dates from 1723–1733, when it gradually replaced the original wooden church. The church burned down at the end of World War II when it was hit by an anti-tank missile fired by a Red Army soldier. The fire destroyed the roof, the wooden staircase, the clockwork and the bell. The torso of the church gradually fell into disrepair, the soaked vaults gradually collapsed, and the church was proposed for demolition several times.
After 1990, the church and its surroundings are gradually restored. First, the debris was cleared and the pilgrimage tradition was restored. Church services began to be held under the „open sky“. In June 1992, the church was added to the list of cultural monuments and since the beginning of the 21st century it has been undergoing reconstruction, when, among other things, it was partially covered with a glass roof.
Challenging restoration of the church
The restoration of the church is provided by the Roman Catholic parish in cooperation with the „Neratov Association“. The association helps people with disabilities and, together with them, participates in the restoration of the pilgrimage site and the return of life to the once displaced village.
The driving force behind the restoration of the church and life in the village is the local parish priest Josef Suchár.
Simple interior
The church is 48 m long, 19 m wide and 20 m high. It is interesting that the facade faces south and the chancel faces north. The interior is very simple, but all the more impressive.
The unconventional architecture and peaceful atmosphere offer a unique experience. The glass roof allows you to observe the sky and brings enough daylight into the church.
The church is never closed, it can be visited at any time.
Glass roof
The church has been without a roof since 1957, when its vault collapsed. In the years 2006 – 2008, the church was covered with a glass roof according to the design of Jiří Starý and Petr Dostál. The glass roof in the shape of a cross very soon became famous. The idea of a glass roof, which gives the church its uniqueness, came from parish priest Josef Suchár.
Complex roof structure
After climbing under the roof of the church, it is possible to closely admire the vault and the ingenious system of fixing the vault and window structures.
Spiritual dimension
Thanks to the post-revolutionary restoration, the church became a place of reconciliation and hope and a space for spiritual encounters with God and people. The story of the church proves that love, faith and hope can do great things, such as rebuilding a church from ruins. In addition, many people with mental disabilities found a home in the rebuilt settlement.
On August 14, 2011, the church was included among the pilgrimage sites of the Hradec Králové Diocese.
Nerat cross
On the right side of the church nave hangs a wooden Nerat cross with a height of 3.5 m. It is a memorial to the first renewed services held in the snowy ruins of the burned-out church in the early 1990s.
Chair
Modern chairs are available for visitors. These were dedicated to donors and contributors whose names are mentioned on the backs. Among others, we find here the name of Cardinal Dominik Duka.
Meditation room
There is a freely accessible small meditation room at the highest accessible point of the church. It is dominated by the wooden structure of the newly built tower mines.
Donations and contributions
There is no entrance fee to the church, but it is possible to make a donation or send a contribution. Donations from visitors are an important source of income for the ongoing renovation of the church.
Spiritual experience and relaxation
Services and prayers are held in the church every day. In addition, it also serves as a local center of community life for locals and visitors. It comes to life year-round with music, theater and exhibitions.
The church is an unusual inspiring place to stop, reflect and gain new strength. Visitors usually look for and usually find a quiet place to relax or find inspiration for their lives here.
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