Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Neratov

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Neratov is a truly fascinating place with a deep history and a unique story of restoration. This pilgrimage site has its roots in the second half of the 17th century, when it became an important spiritual center thanks to the amorous statue of the Virgin Mary and the spring that flows near the church. However, the original church soon became insufficient for the growing number of pilgrims, so a new Baroque church was built on the hill between 1723 and 1733. The foundation stone of this new church was laid by the owner of the estate Johann Karl of Nostitz-Rhieneck on August 14, 1723, and the consecration took place on Saint Bartholomew's Day on August 24, 1733.

The architect of this work remains unknown, although experts often attribute it to the circle around Giovanni Battista Alliprandi. The first builder of the church was Carl Antoni Reina, who tragically died in a fall from scaffolding, and the church was completed by Jakub Ondřej Carow.

In 1945, the church burned down after being hit by a Red Army shell. Ten years later, the locals tried to restore at least the roof of the church, but lack of funds thwarted their efforts. During the communist regime, it was decided to demolish the church, which ultimately did not happen because the money intended for the demolition was used to transport the Rococo staircase.

In 1992, the church was included in the list of cultural monuments, which allowed its restoration to begin. On August 15, 1990, the first pilgrimage took place on the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, thus reviving a forgotten pilgrimage tradition. In 2003, the facade, towers and clocks were restored, and a year later, the interior walls were renovated and the rectory was repaired. The church gained its famous glass roof in 2007, and in 2008, the roof cornices were restored. Other repairs included the restoration of the paving, the curia and the entrance staircase.

Since 2013, the church has been gradually equipped with new elements of liturgical equipment. In 2018, the church facade was further reconstructed, which returned its original Baroque appearance. Unfortunately, the lawsuit to restore the Rococo staircase was unsuccessful, so it was necessary to build a new staircase. The towers returned to the Baroque domes and the bells rang again, all created according to the original design.

The church is always open to everyone, it never closes. This approach fulfills the words of the parish priest Josef Suchár: "What are churches for that are closed?" The Neratov Association, z. s., together with the Roman Catholic Church, is significantly involved in the restoration of the church. Through joint efforts, they managed to breathe new life into the place, which now serves again as a spiritual and cultural center, attracting pilgrims and visitors not only with its history, but also with its architectural gems and vibrant community.

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Neratov has not only been given a second chance, but has also become a symbol of hope and renewal, reminding us of the power of faith and working together for a good cause. Anyone who visits this place can confirm its uniqueness and charm, which is truly unparalleled.