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THE PAINTED CHURCHES TOUR
of Fayette County


Near Schulenburg and Weimar

A day trip from Houston, Austin and San Antonio


Book Hotel Here:

Schulenburg Hotels | La Grange Hotels
Columbus Hotels | Brenham Hotels | Weimar Hotels
If you've lived in Texas for any length of time you've heard of the Painted Churches of Fayette County. They have appeared in magazines, on television programs, and in newspaper features around the state and beyond.

The term "Painted" comes from the elaborate faux-finished interiors - painted by itinerant artists who advertised in church bulletins and newspapers. Several were resident artists in San Antonio. Gold-leafed, stone and polished marble columns and ceilings are (upon closer examination) actually finely-fitted woodwork. The paint - mixed on site - is still vibrant and bright - even after all these years.
The Tour
Click on the photos/links below for the painted churches.
High Hill painted church

High Hill -
St. Mary's Catholic Church

(1906)
The elaborate faux marble columns and ceilings make this church one of the ones not to miss. The grayish blue stone capping the buttresses and accenting the brick was quarried from the nearby town of Muldoon. More
Ammansville painted church

Ammannsville -
St. John the Baptist Church

(1919)
The Catholic church and a school opened in 1890. Destroyed by the hurricane of 1909, the church was rebuilt. It burned shortly thereafter and had to be rebuilt a second time. More
Dubina painted church

Dubina -
Saints Cyril and Methodius Church

(1912)
Simple stenciling and framed Stations of the Cross at the Dubina Church. More
The Dubina Catholic Church is just west of Weimar off old Hwy 90.

Other than Sunday, the church can be viewed from the entry only. It can be opened for groups.

Just north of the church is the old Dubina grocery. Following the road around the corner will take you over "The Piano Bridge" - one of the few remaining iron bridges in Fayette County.

Continuing west, you will eventually reach Highway 77.
Praha painted church
Praha -
St. Mary's Church
(1892)
Just south of the railroad tracks that run parallel to highway 90. Praha is listed in Lindsay Baker's Ghost Towns of Texas. Prior to the coming of the Czechs, Praha was called Mulberry by the Anglo settlers. Praha has a huge gathering every year when thousands descend on the church grounds for a veteran's reunion. More
More Painted Churches in Texas
Shiner painted church
  • Saints Cyril and Methodius Church
    Shiner, Texas
  • Plantersville painted church
  • St. Mary's Catholic Church
    Plantersville, Texas


  • Wesley Brethren Church
    Wesley, Texas
    On the National Register of Historic Places
  • Getting There
    Book Hotel Here:
    Schulenburg Hotels | La Grange Hotels
    Columbus Hotels | Brenham Hotels | Weimar Hotels



    A Day Trip - The Painted Churches are in a tight cluster (relatively speaking) in southern Fayette County. The tour can easily be a day trip from Houston, Austin or San Antonio.


    Scenic Drives - The terrain between the churches is winding and rolling and contains some of the best country views in the state. Wildflowers are plentiful in the Spring, but since much of the land is cultivated or grazed - most flowers will be seen on the major highways where the flowers have been seeded.
    See Texas Wildflower Trips


    From Austin
  • Take 290 to Giddings and then head South on Hwy 77 or
  • Take Hwy 71 to La Grange and then South on Hwy 77.
  • Austin Hotels


    From Houston or San Antonio
  • Take Interstate 10 to Hwy 77.
  • Houston Hotels
  • San Antonio Hotels

  • Painted church tour
    Map and Directions
    The Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce has detailed directions for the painted churches. Brochures are available outside the chamber office for weekend visitors. 618 N. Main, Schulenburg, Texas. 979-743-4514

    Schulenburg Hotels

    More Churches -

    If one is interested in ecclesiastical architecture - Fayette and neighboring counties have dozens of picturesque churches - many with interesting cemeteries. Ellinger, Fayetteville, La Grange, Moravia, Nelsonville, Warrenton and Wesley to name a few.


    Painted Churches Forum

    Our church is very similiar to the pictured churches. St. Mary's Catholic Church of Plantersville, Texas is in the process of restoring all the old paintings. They are gorgeous. I just thought I would let y'all know because it's location is very close to the other painted churches. Thanks! - Ashley L., November 17, 2003

    © John Troesser

    Related Topics:
    Texas Churches

    Texas Drives

    Texas Trips
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