The Old Church of St. Peter and Paul in Čestín and its Destruction in Focus of Archival Correspondence
Abstract
This article deals with the old romanesque church of St. Peter and Paul in Čestín (in region Kutná Hora) near Uhlířské Janovice, that was in critical condition in 50th 19th century.
Foundations of church were waterlogged and masonry was damaged by many cracks. Critical condition and crampedness of church - that were arguments of local parishioners for resolution of intolerable situation.
Small reparations were immediately executed. Motion for entlargement of church proposed soon, later for new and representative building.
Inspired by the article of Jan Erazim Vocel (1803-1871) about romanesque churches in Bohemia gave enthusiastic lover of monuments and catholic priest Antonín Norbert Vlasák (1812-1901) a report on old church of St. Peter and Paul in Čestín to Archeological committee of Museum of Bohemian Kingdom.
President of committee Jan E. Vocel handed the issue to his friend preservationst František X.
Beneš (1816-1888) to review, that gave a report to Central Committee for explore and research of historic monuments in Vienna in December 1858. At this time was decided about demolition of old church and planes for new building were in situation for finishing.
Attention was payed to rescue of romanesque parts and stone sculpted details of the building (church tower, portal, column from interior). These efforts were unsuccessfully.
The church in Čestín affair is the one of the expressive affairs in monuments preservation in 50th 19th century, that is illustrative of form and abilities of authority of beginning oficial monuments preservation. Focus of this article lies in presentation function of preservationist and participating institutions in intention monuments preservation historiography.
Research of extant correspondence shows lot of valuable informations to knowledge of old church St. Peter and Paul in Čestín, that was published only in marginal degree.