Church of St. James in Týn nad Vltavou

The church was founded in the second half of the 13th century by Bishop Tobias of Bechyně. The original patron saint was St. Christopher. In 1569, the church was expanded and rededicated to St. James the Greater. Additional modifications occurred in 1702, when the Chapel of St. Barbara was added on the side facing the square, with a crypt beneath it for prominent local officials. In 1717, Baroque organs were installed and rebuilt in 1777 – they are among the best-preserved Baroque instruments in Bohemia outside of Prague.

Significant renovations took place in August 1753 at the behest of Empress Maria Theresa, who visited the church. It was given a Baroque form, the nave was expanded, and a tower with a belfry was added. In 1759, the church received another side chapel, dedicated to St. Joseph. The major structural changes were completed in 1763. Statues of St. Joseph, St. James, and St. Barbara were placed on the main façade.

Inside, the original Baroque furnishings have been preserved. The main altar painting is the work of Jesuit painter Ignác Raab. His fellow Jesuit Süsmayer created the baptismal font, with striking sculptures of the Prodigal Son and Mary Magdalene, as well as the pulpit and other interior decorations. Near the entrance to the sacristy, a fresco from the mid-16th century was uncovered, depicting the Passion of Christ along with the coats of arms of the Cabelický family and the Lords of Úšava. Beneath the fresco was the original entrance to the Cabelický family tomb, with a carved tombstone now placed under the church gallery.

The only remaining part of the cemetery is a section of the terrace wall below the church. Statues along the stairway depict St. Francis Xavier and St. Norbert. The statue of the Virgin Mary in front of the Chapel of St. Barbara once marked the entrance to the cemetery. Over the years, the church has undergone several renovations, but no radical changes to its appearance have occurred since.