St. Catherine’s Church in Hrabová
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Structure: A single-nave masonry church with a polygonal sanctuary and eight supporting buttresses.
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The Tower: A prominent square tower with a pyramidal roof stands at the front of the building.
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Vaulting & Heraldry:
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Nave: Features a Gothic ribbed vault with decorative bosses.
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Chancel: A cross vault featuring the coats of arms of Bernard of Baště and his wife.
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Windows: Elegant pointed-arch windows decorated with trefoil tracery.
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Interior Features:
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Lord’s Oratory: Located on the southern side above the sacristy.
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Gallery (Kruchta): Supported by massive columns, accessible via a covered staircase next to the tower.
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The Main Altar:
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A Neo-Gothic masterpiece from 1895 (fully restored in 2012).
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Statues: Archangel Gabriel, St. Bronislava, St. Hedwig, St. Anne, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. Joachim.
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A Story of Rebirth: From Ashes to New Life
The original Church of St. Catherine, a rare wooden monument from the 16th century, met a tragic end on the night of April 2, 2002, when it was completely destroyed by a massive fire caused by an electrical fault. The loss was felt deeply by the entire community, as one of Ostrava’s most significant national cultural monuments vanished in just a few hours.
However, the spirit of the place survived. Between 2002 and 2004, a meticulous reconstruction took place. Today’s church is a faithful replica of the original structure, built with traditional craftsmanship to honor its historical predecessor. This “miracle from the ashes” stands as a symbol of resilience and the enduring heritage of the Hrabová district.