A long forgotten tale sleeps within Noutonice’s ancient stones. This small village northwest of Prague holds secrets stretching back centuries. Noutonice is more than just a pretty place. Its history whispers from the very earth beneath your feet.
The Church of St John the Baptist stands tall. A testament to time. Its Gothic origins date back to the mid-14th century. It’s a sight to behold. It’s even more impressive than you would initially think. This beautiful church was originally under the patronage of the Benedictine Convent of St George on Prague Castle. Can you imagine the nuns traveling here? Their influence shaped Noutonice’s spiritual life.
Later the church saw significant changes. In 1682 Abbess Anna Mechthilda Schneeweissova of Eckstein oversaw its transformation into the early Baroque style we see today. Further renovations took place in 1744 1795 and 1895. Each alteration adding to Noutonice’s unique character. The church’s final form is what we see today. Its beauty is undeniable. A cultural landmark this church is a protected monument. A treasure of Noutonice.
Within the church’s hallowed walls lies another story. An altarpiece depicting St John Nepomuk. It was painted by Jan Herma in 1895. The same year the firm of Rejna and Cerny installed the magnificent organ. Imagine the sounds that have filled this space. The music of prayer and celebration.
Noutonice boasts a graveyard surrounding the church. A place of rest since the Middle Ages. It is a fascinating place. The site called Na Horkach or Na Horouni held even earlier burials. Skeletons were found dating from long before the church’s construction. The oldest preserved tombs and mausoleums here date to the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The cemetery was expanded in 1862. It still serves the community today. A peaceful resting place. A silent witness to generations.
Many notable individuals are buried in this hallowed ground. Among them Friedrich Freiherr Dlauhowesky. An Austro-Hungarian Major General and chamberlain. He’s buried in Noutonice. So too is his wife Frederike. Her cause of death: a “paralyzed heart”. Their daughters Frederike and Barbara also rest here. Barbara’s death certificate notes she died from “exhaustion” in Baden. Another notable burial is that of Koloman Harmos. He was an Austro-Hungarian Major. He served in several hussar regiments.
Noutonice is more than just a village. It is a living testament to history. A place where the past and present intertwine. The church the graveyard the very air itself seem to murmur with centuries-old stories. Stand here today and let Noutonice’s tales unfold before you. Reflect upon this rich heritage. This village is a unique treasure. It deserves to be remembered and celebrated.