I find myself making friends with some very interesting local photographers, some Czech some not so much. One of us heard about this interesting church, so what else would a group of city photographers do? Easy, pack ourselves up in multiple cars with trunks full of gear and head out to the countryside.

Our destination Kostel sv Jiri (St George Curch), an old church with a long history. Twice destroyed by fire and twice rebuilt, occupied by German  troops during WWII and in more recent history the roof collapsed during a funeral killing several attendees. After this tragic event it was all but abandoned. A few years ago the town was looking into ways to fund a massive reconstruction and restorage project to save the building so they called upon and artist who had a great idea!

Jakub Hadrava made ghostly plaster sculptures and strategically filled the church with his brillant pieces of art creating a haunting atmosphere and a much needed tourist attraction.

What photographer wouldn't hop in their car to see this?!

There is no entry fee, donations are most welcome and go towards the reconstruction/restoration costs.

Some images from our trip...

"Ghost Church" at Luková u Manětín''Ghost Church" at Luková u Manětín
April 9,2016

There were only a few other folks there when we arrived, but we did get there just as they opened, by the time we left there were quite a few people there. As we were loading up our cars a group of photographers was arriving from Poland, just to shot this church. So the attraction is working, hopefully folks are generous to leave behind a nice donation for its repairs.

"Ghost Church" at Luková u Manětín''Ghost Church" at Luková u Manětín
April 9,2016 "Ghost Church" at Luková u Manětín''Ghost Church" at Luková u Manětín
April 9,2016

"Ghost Church" at Luková u Manětín''Ghost Church" at Luková u Manětín
April 9,2016

Makes you want to hop in your car and check it out doesn't it! :D