Praha, Texas Travel Guide

Region: Prairies & Lakes

On the The Painted Churches Tour

This small town is located three miles east of Flatonia on US 90. Named for Prague (the Czech spelling Prague is Praha), this community still has a population of descendents from Czech settlers who came here in 1855.

Attractions

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. The largest structure in Praha is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, often called St. Mary's. Built in 1895, it is one of half a dozen painted churches in the area. Although few examples remain today, these churches were not unusual in the 19th century and boasted elaborately painted interiors much like the churches the immigrants left in their homeland.

St. Mary's has a beautifully painted vaulted ceiling, the work of Swiss-born artist Gottfried Flry. Never retouched, the 1895 murals on the tongue-and-groove ceiling depict golden angels high over a pastoral setting.

This Praha church, as well as ones in High Hill and Ammannsville, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The church is open Monday through Saturday 8-5 although it is not guaranteed that the doors will be unlocked at all times. Located two miles east of US 90 on FM 1295.

Visitors often find the doors of St. Mary's open for a look at the spectacular interior.

 

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