Church of St. Margaret

Church of St. Margaret in Šonov

The Church of Saint Margaret stands alone on a hill west of the village of Šonov. Its striking position offers a beautiful view of Broumov and the surrounding landscape, especially enchanting at sunrise or sunset. Construction began in 1726 and was probably completed between 1727 and 1730. The church is an example of High Baroque architecture, whose form and details refer to the work of Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. While his authorship is not directly documented, it is likely due to his work for the Břevnov-Broumov Benedictines at the time. The construction was made possible especially thanks to the support of Broumov abbot Otmar Zinke.

History and predecessor of the church
The village of Šonov was founded in the second half of the 13th century by German colonists. A wooden church dedicated to Saint John the Evangelist stood here from 1354 and served the parish for several centuries. It was repaired in 1547 and 1688 but unfortunately burned down in 1775. A Neo-Gothic chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary now stands on the site. It serves as the current place of worship, as services are no longer held in the Church of Saint Margaret. After the original church ceased to exist, the parish moved to the hilltop Church of Saint Margaret.

Architecture
The Church of Saint Margaret features a complex and unusual ground plan based on an elongated octagon. Additional spaces are attached to six of the shorter sides of this octagon, creating a richly articulated building. Above the entrance façade, which faces toward the Broumov Monastery, rise two rectangular towers. These four-sided, two-storey towers are topped with onion-shaped domes typical of Baroque church architecture in the region. The gable roof transitions into a hipped roof over the chancel, adding elegance and dynamism to the structure. The church is approximately 31 meters long and about 12 meters wide, although the segmented layout makes the interior feel much larger. The chancel measures about 5 × 5 meters and is decorated with a semicircular triumphal arch framed by pilasters, giving the space a solemn and ceremonial character. There are six entrances in total: three leading to the vestibule and three directly into the nave, from which doors open to the sacristy and a storage room. The windows are set in stone frames and come in three different shapes, enhancing the lighting of the interior. The interior painting was done in 1867 by František Šrůtek of Náchod, giving the church a unique artistic atmosphere.

Bells
Originally, the church had four bells, but most were requisitioned during the First World War for military purposes. In 1927, they were replaced by three new bells cast by Broumov bell founder Oktav Wintr. Unfortunately, all but one were again confiscated during the Second World War. The only surviving bell, dating from 1629, was later moved and hung in the bell tower of the Broumov Monastery Church. These bells represent a special part of the church’s history and reflect the hardships experienced by the region during times of war.

Current condition and use of the church
The interior of the Church of Saint Margaret has been significantly damaged over the years and partially looted, which is sadly a common fate for many historic churches in the region. Most of the church furnishings are now stored in a deposit, and the church no longer retains the full extent of its original beauty and importance. Religious services are rarely, if ever, held here today, as the liturgical focus has shifted to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary in the village cemetery.

Importance and cultural status
The Church of Saint Margaret is a significant cultural monument. Since July 1, 2022, it has held the status of a national cultural monument. It is part of the group of High Baroque churches in the Broumov region, known as the Broumov group of churches, whose unique architectural and spiritual value draws both researchers and visitors from around the world. The church is a fine example of Baroque sacred architecture with a rich history and strong local significance that continues to resonate in the life of Šonov and the wider region.

Points of interest nearby
Below the hill on which the church stands lies a cemetery featuring other historic elements, such as a stone pillar with a relief of Saint Adalbert. Carved from reddish-brown sandstone, the relief depicts a beardless man sitting on a high chair holding a bishop’s crozier and a cross. The date 1112, traditionally linked to the relief, is no longer legible, but the stone’s significance as a historic boundary marker of monastery land remains unchanged. This artifact is now on display in the Broumov Museum.