“A church built from the stones of its predecessors.” That’s a phrase you might hear about the Church of St. John the Baptist in Dolní Chabry. The church stands before you, a silent witness to centuries of history. It isn’t the largest or most ornate church. Yet, it holds within its walls a story as compelling as any grand cathedral. The current Church of St. John the Baptist is actually the third church built on this site. It dates back to the 12th century. Imagine, beneath your feet lie the foundations of two earlier churches. The first, a humble burial chapel from the early 11th century, speaks of a community just beginning to flourish. The second, a grand rotunda built in the mid-12th century, was a beacon of faith. This rotunda was one of the largest in Bohemia, second only to the famed rotunda of St. Vitus at Prague Castle. Sadly, both churches eventually met their demise. The materials from their walls were used to construct the third and final church, the one you stand before today. This continuous cycle of building and rebuilding speaks to the enduring spirit of faith and community that defines this place.
Lochkovský potok
Listen closely. Have you ever felt the hush of a hidden stream a secret whispered among the trees? That’s the