The Lonestar State is full of secrets. Whether it’s a full-sized church – moats and all – in Bellville, a darling Croatian village straight out of a fairy tale in McKinney, or a University of Oxford-inspired library right here in Houston:there are all kinds of hidden gems in Houston.
Included are the Painted Churches of Texas. Located in the rolling hills of Fayette County in Central Texas, 90 minutes from Houston, are a collection of gothic, Old World-inspired churches painted in otherworldly colors hidden inside simple wooden chapels.
Built by German and Czech settlers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants in the towns of Schulenberg, Dubina, High Hill, and Praha were unable to afford the opulent and ornate stone cathedrals typical of their European homelands so instead, the communities relied on skilled artists to achieve the same inspiring effect with paint and color.
The result is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Using a technique known as trompe l’oeil, a sort of optical illusion, the churches’ columns look like polished marble to the naked eye – but are instead a clever and skilled faux finish. Furthermore, intricate stenciling, gold leaf, and faux-gothic arches detail the churches vaulted ceilings, imbuing the spaces with architectural grandeur.
Vibrant Symbolism: Every inch is covered in vivid, non-English inscriptions, elaborate floral patterns, celestial blue skies, and angelic figures—a direct, heartfelt link back to the churches they had left behind.
Schulenberg’s Hidden Gems
The most famous cluster of Painted Churches is located in the tiny communities surrounding Schulenburg, Texas (about 1.5 hours from Houston on I-10). Plan to spend a day touring these four major stops:
1. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill
Hailed as the “Queen of the Painted Churches,” Mary’s Catholic Church is arguably the most elaborate of the collection. Its stunning brick exterior houses a glorious Gothic Revival interior, complete with vaulted ceilings intricately adorned in vines, floral, and gold accents as well as masterfully painted columns, showcasing the German influence.
📍2833 FM 2672 Schulenburg, TX 78956
2. St. Mary’s Church of the Assumption in Praha
A testament to the Czech artistry, this church is an elegant, serene sanctuary. With delicate artistry, gold-leaf-tipped altars, and a beautiful, ornate ceiling vault painted in robin’s-egg blue, the church is one of the oldest Painted Churches in Texas. This church is especially significant for its memorial shrines honoring local men who died in WWII.
📍821 FM 1295 Flatonia, TX 78941
3. Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Dubina
Though the original artwork was painted over in the 1950s, in some would say a misguided attempt, the community came together to painstakingly restore the church using rediscovered stencils. The interior is now bright, with a vibrant blue ceiling of white and gold stars.
📍4148 FM 1383 Dubina, TX 78956
4. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ammannsville
Affectionately known as the “Pink Church,” the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ammannsville is renowned for its warm, tranquil feel and beautiful pale rosy interior. Its simple structure makes the decorative painting stand out even more.
📍7745 Mensik Road Schulenburg, TX 78956
All churches are open for self-guided tours between 9 am and 4 pm Monday through Saturday.