Abandoned structures attract photographers much like a flame does a moth—heck, there’s an entire genre dedicated to exploring ruins! But if you’ve not been to the abandoned St. George church in the village of Lukova in the Czech Republic, then you’re missing out on one of the most haunting (and completely legal) Urbex experiences available to you.
The dilapidated church, which has laid unkept since the 1960s, has been transformed into a powerful art installation and tourist destination by artist Jakub Hadrava.
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The aisles and pews, once sitting empty and rotting away, are now lined with hooded plaster ‘ghosts’ that stand vigil over the very old church day in and day out.
The figures represent the ghosts of Sudeten Germans who lived in Lukova before World War Two and who came to pray at this church every Sunday. I hope to show the world that this place had a past and it was a normal part of everyday life, but that fate has a huge influence on our lives.
And the good news is that, thanks to Hadrava, the 14th century church seems to have a bright future ahead of it. The installation has brought an influx of tourists and investment in its renovation.
The hope is that this money will allow the voluntary church management “to eventually restore the church to what it once was.” For now, it’s a place we think photographers from across the world would love to see in person… or at the very least through this roundup of 500px images.
Given the renovations planned for the church, it will probably not retain its dilapidated look for long (although it IS a gorgeous 14th century church regardless…). Still, we hope the fixed-up church doesn’t ever get rid of the art installation. Yes it’s creepy, but in the most powerful terms.
If you’ve got your own photos of this Church of Ghosts, upload them to 500px and drop a link the comments. And if you know of other amazing art installations or locations that we should add to our “must-photograph” list, let us know about those as well!
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