Recommended
Books
Revelations of the Byzantine World: The Painted Churches and Monasteries |
| The
painted churches of Cyprus: Treasures of Byzantine art |
|
| |
|
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.
Tours sometimes include other area churches, here we feature four.
They are:
St.
Mary's
of Praha
St.
John the Baptist
of Ammannsville
Saints
Cyril and Methodius Church
in Dubina, and
St.
Mary's Catholic Church
of High Hill
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. |
|
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 |
The
Tour
Click on the photos/links below for the painted churches. |
 |
(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 |
|
|
(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 |
|
|
(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. |
|
|
(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 |
GETTING
THERE
Rent a Car | Book
a Flight
Book Your Hotel Here &
Save
Brenham
Hotels | Columbus
Hotels |
La
Grange Hotels |
Houston
Hotels |
Austin
Hotels |
San
Antonio Hotels |
More
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.
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.
From Houston or
San Antonio
Take Interstate
10 to Hwy 77.
|
More
Painted Churches in Texas:
|
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
|
|
|
