Crystal Beneath Church Vaults
For centuries, churches were the natural centre of community life. They hosted christenings, weddings, and funerals — from birth to death, a person's life was closely tied to the church. That is why they are not just sacred buildings, but also places that hold the memory of entire generations. Where our chandeliers end up is usually decided by our customers' taste. This time, though, their journey took on a deeper meaning. One went to Boněnov in the Tachov region, the other to Veľké Vozokany in southwestern Slovakia. Although the two churches lie almost 450 kilometres apart and each has a different history, they share the efforts of local people to preserve an important part of their cultural heritage. And now, also the light of Czech crystal.
Boněnov: The Church That Nearly Disappeared
Although the history of sacred buildings in Boněnov reaches deep into the past, today's Church of All Saints never received heritage protection status. And that very fact nearly proved fatal.
.jpg "The Baroque Chapel of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary and the Church of All Saints in Boněnov, whose interior was fitted with the 230 cm AL061K crystal chandelier.")
According to historical sources, a chapel stood here even before the Hussite Wars. The parish Church of All Saints is documented in the village as early as 1492, likely built by extending the original chapel. Another notable monument is the Baroque Chapel of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary from the first half of the 18th century, whose design is often attributed to Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel.
When the original church could no longer serve the growing village, local residents built a new, much larger church in 1877–1878. After the Second World War, however, the church began to fall into disrepair. The roof collapsed, water leaked in, the flooring disappeared, and trees began growing inside the abandoned interior. The building the people of Boněnov had once built themselves was in serious danger. In the end, though, it was people once again who saved it — those who refused to let an important part of the village's history vanish.
The turning point came in 2008, when the diocese transferred the devastated building to OSOTR – the Civic Association for the Renewal of the Tepla Region. Its members took on the demanding rescue effort and, step by step, began bringing the church back to life.
.jpg "The transformation of the Church of All Saints in Boněnov — from a decaying building with a damaged interior, through demanding renovation work, to a restored church with a newly installed crystal chandelier.")
When It Was Time for Light
The journey to the new chandelier began thanks to Mr. František Holub from Jablonec. He had already had one of our ArtCrystal Tomeš chandeliers at home for years, and when it came time to sort out the lighting for the restored church, he thought of us.
For the majestic space with its high ceilings, they chose the AL061K - a 230 cm tall chandelier with a diameter of 152 cm with 54 glass arms arranged across six tiers.
The Czech crystal fixture is adorned with sparkling chains and cut, almond-shaped pendants. Its size, richness, and traditional craftsmanship naturally complement the character of the church interior.
.jpg "The monumental AL061K crystal chandelier, 230 cm tall and 152 cm in diameter, which became a striking centrepiece of the interior of the Church of All Saints in Boněnov once the renovation was complete.")
Another Milestone in a Long Restoration
The installation was overseen by Petr Dudarec, one of the driving forces behind the association, who praised the dedication and precision of our team. He called the result amazing.
The new fixture followed on from the recently installed Stations of the Cross with its own lighting, becoming another visible milestone in the gradual transformation of the interior. When the chandelier was switched on for the first time, it revealed not only the beauty of Czech crystal but also the transformation the church had undergone thanks to the association's members and their supporters. The result delighted both local residents and visitors.
"Throughout our nation's history, periods when churches were built have alternated with periods when they were left to fall. One can be told apart from the other fairly clearly by the effect that era had on the moral and cultural level of society. We belong to those who build," said Mr. Sedláček, chairman of OSOTR, summing up the significance of the restoration.
A Story Still Unfolding
But the restoration of Boněnov doesn't end with the lighting of the new chandelier. Among the association's further goals is completing the reconstruction of the remaining parts of the church — the tower, the bell, and the façade. In the longer term, they also want to restore the rectory, which was demolished twenty years ago.
The incredible transformation of the church is captured in a video that takes you through its entire restoration — from its original sorry state to the moment when, thanks to determination and joint effort, life returned to it once again:
Watch the video about the reconstruction of the Church of All Saints in Boněnov
Veľké Vozokany: A Church Cared for Across Generations
While Boněnov had to literally wrest its church back from ruin, the Church of St. Nicholas in Veľké Vozokany in Slovakia never fell into such a dire state.
The first written mention of the village dates back to 1209, and the church itself is documented as early as 1308. The originally modest Gothic building was seriously damaged by fire in 1674. Less than a century later, the Esztergom chapter had it enlarged and rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Since then, its history has above all been a story of continuous care. In 1927, two new bells were brought to the church from Trnava; in 1936, after a general repair, it was reconsecrated, and parishioners gradually added further furnishings. Care for this house of God continues here to this day.
.jpg "The Church of St. Nicholas in Veľké Vozokany, Slovakia, cared for by locals across generations. Its interior is now complemented by the AL036K crystal chandelier.")
It is into this setting that our crystal chandelier, model AL036K, has now been added. This striking fixture has 24 glass arms arranged in two tiers. It is decorated with hand-shaped glass details, almond-shaped pendants of cut Czech crystal, and sparkling crystal chains.
From a Demanding Installation to a Dazzling Result
The installation in the summer of 2026 was technically demanding. Installer Jozef Havetta had to lift the chandelier and all the equipment to the required height using a winch anchored in the church attic. His team then took two days to assemble the fixture and fine-tune every last detail.
When the chandelier was switched on for the first time, it was clear the demanding installation had been worth it. The new light transformed the atmosphere of the entire interior, and both those present and the local priest made no secret of their delight.
.jpg "The demanding installation of the AL036K crystal chandelier in the Church of St. Nicholas in Veľké Vozokany.")
What Do Both Stories Have in Common?
One church had to be literally saved from ruin, while the other has been cared for continuously by locals across generations. In both cases, though, the new chandelier is much more than just a source of light.
It is a shining symbol of what human perseverance, care, and respect for history can achieve. A fitting final touch to years of work and dedication — and, at the same time, a light accompanying both churches into their next chapter.
That is precisely why projects like these are so special to us.
Are You Planning the Lighting for a Church or Another Historic Space?
Get in touch with us. We'll help you choose or design a crystal fixture that respects the character of the interior while matching its dimensions and technical requirements. Together, we'll find a solution tailored to your space.
