Church of the Finding of the True Cross in Liberec

The Church of the Finding of the True Cross in Liberec, known locally as Kostel Nalezení svatého Kříže v Liberci, stands as a testament to Baroque architecture and a beacon of historical and spiritual significance in the heart of Liberec, Czech Republic. This Roman Catholic filial church is not only a place of worship but also a cherished cultural monument and pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from near and far to marvel at its beauty and delve into its rich past.

The History of the Church of the Finding of the True Cross

The origins of the Church of the Finding of the True Cross can be traced back to the late 17th century. The initial structure was a Baroque cemetery church built between 1695 and 1698 by the Prague-based Italian architect Marco Antonio Canevalle. It was constructed on the site of a former plague burial ground established in 1680, following an epidemic that claimed 300 lives. The original church, dedicated to the Holy Cross, featured a cruciform layout, symbolizing its dedication.

In the mid-18th century, a new church was erected on the same site, designed by Johann Josef Kunze. This new edifice, also dedicated to the Finding of the True Cross, was completed between 1753 and 1761. It quickly became a significant pilgrimage destination, especially due to the presence of a wooden Pieta statue of Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows) on the main altar. This 65 cm tall statue, carved from cedar wood, depicts the Virgin Mary with the body of Christ under the cross. Its fascinating history includes being crafted in 1506 for a London church, thrown into the Thames during King Henry VIII's reign, and eventually making its way to Liberec via a series of fortunate events.

Architectural Marvels

The Church of the Finding of the True Cross is a prime example of Baroque architecture, characterized by its grand, ornate design. The exterior of the church features a hall structure with a convexly curved facade, flanked by two square towers that rise majestically above the entrance. The presbytery is narrower than the nave, and square sacristies and oratories adjoin the presbytery. The walls are segmented by pilasters, and the windows are rectangular with semi-circular arches. The main portal on the western side is adorned with stone framing, and the roofs are topped with distinctive bulbous domes.

Inside, the church is equally impressive. The nave and presbytery are vaulted with flat ceilings, while the oratory has a barrel vault. The sacristy and library, known as the Kopsch Library, also feature flat ceilings. The library, located above the sacristy, was the first public library in Liberec. The ceilings are adorned with frescoes depicting the legend of the Holy Cross, originally painted by Jan Spitzer in 1761 and later retouched by Anton Köhler in 1864.

Rococo Interiors

The Rococo interior of the church has been preserved in its original form, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and artistic elegance. The main altar, created between 1760 and 1762, is a frame altar with a painting of St. Helena by František Xaver Palko, complemented by wood carvings by Jan Hájek from Mnichovo Hradiště. The north side features the altar of St. Joseph, a pillar portal altar from 1760 with carvings by Josef Jiří Jelínek and a painting by Felix Anton Scheffler.

The altar of St. Anthony, from 1757, includes four statues and a painting by Scheffler. Above this altar is a smaller painting of St. Anne from the early 16th century, attributed to a pupil of Albrecht Dürer. Opposite these altars are the altars of St. Aloysius and St. Severus, both adorned with sculptures and paintings by noted artists of the time.

The pulpit, dating back to 1762, features a relief of the biblical Sower and emblems of the four evangelists, crafted by J. Hájek. The church also houses two Rococo confessionals from 1757, embellished with gilded figures of saints, attributed to Jelínek. The organ, built by the Rieger company in 1892, has two manuals and 22 registers, and is accompanied by statues of St. Valentine and St. Peregrine from 1819.

Surrounding Treasures

Adjacent to the church is the Stations of the Cross, a series of 14 sandstone chapels transferred from Keil Hill in 1760. The original wooden paintings were replaced with tin paintings during renovations in the mid-19th century. The Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, built in 1772 as a replica of the chapel in Jerusalem, was relocated to the church garden in 1865. Although in a state of disrepair, it remains a poignant reminder of the church's historical significance.

Another notable feature is the Marian Column, originally erected in 1719 and moved to the church in 1876. This column, adorned with statues of saints and crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary, was restored by the city of Liberec in 2018, thanks to the efforts of restorer Radomil Šolc.

The Church of the Finding of the True Cross in Liberec is not just a place of worship; it is a symbol of resilience, faith, and artistic heritage. Its walls tell stories of devotion, survival, and the enduring spirit of the community. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this remarkable church promises a journey through time and an encounter with the profound beauty of Baroque art and architecture.