The Painted Churches in Hill Country Texas

The Painted Churches is a series of historic churches located in the Hill Country area of Central Texas (Southeast region of Austin - to be exact). Many of these churches are Czech and German-inspired because the  immigrants brought with them their architectural style of that era (19th century) when they first hailed to Texas for economic reasons. They brought with them skillful artwork: stencilling, infill, freehand, marbling, staining and graining. These churches are called, "Painted" churches because they are uniquely design/ painted with elaborate and extravagant faux-finished interiors. In 1984, these churches were listed as a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Take the scenic drive to visit these magnificent architecture marvels. Here are just a glimpse of the architecture captured by photography.

St. John The Baptist Catholic Church - Ammansville, TX (1919)

Its original building was built in 1890 but was destroyed by a hurricane in 1909. It was later burnt down and the church that we see today is its third building.

7745 Mensik Rd. Schulenburg, Texas 78956-5724

St. Mary's Church - Praha, TX (1892)

Built by its Crezh's parishioners, they had made some financial sacrifices on their part in order to help build such a magnificent building back in the days. St. Mary's has stone facade and the top of church steeple where the cross is located is almost 130 feet tall.

821 FM 1295 Flatonia, Texas 78941-5016

St. Mary's Catholic Church - High Hill, TX (1906)

The interior painting was created to mimic illusion of gothic groin vaults and joints. It is also one of the churches in this series that has a pipe organ. The red brick and stone exterior were chosen as the facade in hopes to prevent fire as many early churches in those days were destroyed that way.

2833 FM 2672 Schulenburg, Texas 78956-5603

Maps and Directions:

The Painted Churches tour is a scenic drive in the rolling hills of Hill Country Texas. Spring is the best time to visit as the wildflowers are in bloom. This tour can be completed in one day. For more information, please visit the Schulenberg Chamber of Commerce located on 618 N. Main Street, Schulenberg, TX. Brochures are available outside for weekend visitors. 

This information brought to you by 3:16 team REALTY - your Texas resource.