The Painted Churches of Texas date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s, when Czech and German immigrants came to Texas to start a new life. They built dozens of churches across Texas, that though seemingly ordinary from the outside, hold magnificent masterpieces inside.
This road trip will take you through some of the most famous Painted Churches in Schulenburg and across Fayette County, where significant Texas history meets incredible works of art to create an experience unlike any other in the state. Please remember that these are places of worship, and many of them still host congregations each week, so be respectful. You can find out more about when these churches are opened to visitors at the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce’s website.
Here’s the Map!
Destination 1: St. Paul Lutheran – Serbin, TX
This church, built in 1870 looks like an ordinary church outside, but opens up to be a truly breathtaking display of marble white walls, cerulean detailing and intricately designed columns. Yet, its beauty is not all it boasts… Many say that its pulpit, which is located 20 feet off the ground on the second level of the church, is the tallest in Texas!
Destination 2: St. John the Baptist Church – Ammannsville, TX
In Ammannsville, you’ll find the Painted Church that’s known as “the pink one.” It’s pretty enough on the outside, with antique wooden details and stained glass windows, but inside are pink detailed walls, uniquely domed ceilings and towering alters. The current building, which was built in 1919, is actually the third church that was built there — the first two were destroyed, one by a hurricane and the other by a fire. But it’s so breathtaking, you’ll see exactly why the third time’s a charm on this one!
Destination 3: St. Mary’s Church High Hill – Schulenburg, TX
Your next stop is just across town, and is known as “Queen of the Painted Churches.” Every inch of this church is decorated, from the painstakingly intricate designs on the wooden alter to the towering columns topped with life-sized Biblical figures. This very grand church was built in 1906 and painted in 1912.
Destination 4: St. Cyril and Methodius Church – Dubina, TX
This church is truly breathtaking, with light blue interior and glittering gold stars scattered across the ceiling…but it wasn’t always this way. The building was built in 1909 and the original artwork was painted. In 1950s, the angelic designs were covered with white paint, but after people started noticing the faded original paintings on the wall, the community came together to recreate the painting. Using stencils found in the church, as well as adding new designs, the church was transformed it into the vibrant work of art it is today!
Destination 5: St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption – Praha, TX
The old wooden beams of this church built in 1895 are painted to resemble the golden crown moldings and dazzling architecture of a grand European cathedral, with white altars that almost look like crystal in the light. Though the paintings have faded over time, when the sunbeams dance across the stained glass windows into the church, the entire hall glistens just like that of the St. Peter’s Basilica.
Want more of the Painted Churches of Texas? Check out this segment from our episode in Schulenburg, TX!
