While staying in Columbus, Texas, we passed a small road sign that read: “Painted Churches of Schulenburg.” It didn’t look like much, but once we looked into it, we were intrigued. After visiting them, we were blown away. These churches aren’t just cool—they’re absolutely awe-inspiring.
A Glimpse into Texas’ European Heritage
Built in the late 1800s and early 1900s by German and Czech immigrants, these churches are scattered across Central Texas. From the outside, many look like humble country churches. But step inside and you’ll find jaw-dropping interiors—painted murals, faux marble, intricate stenciling, and gilded altars.
These immigrants brought with them not just their faith, but their architectural traditions from Europe. Many were fleeing religious oppression and sought to recreate the churches of their homeland. Today, around 20 painted churches still stand, with several located in or around Schulenburg, hence the popular nickname: The Painted Churches of Schulenburg.
We visited five of them. Each was unique and beautiful, though one stood out a little less for us—St. Paul Lutheran Church in Serbin was a bit out of the way, and while still lovely, we might skip it on a return trip.
1. Saint Mary’s Catholic Church – Praha, Texas
Built in 1895, this wooden church is deceiving from the outside. Step in and you’ll find golden crown moldings, white altars that shimmer in the light, and a ceiling painted in a Garden of Eden motif, filled with Texas wildflowers.
This is the oldest painted church in the area and an absolute must-see. The altar—gilded in 24-karat gold—takes center stage. Behind it, a mural of three pastel-clad angels floats serenely above the cross. Faded though the artwork may be, sunlight filtering through the stained-glass windows transforms the church into something straight out of Europe, reminiscent of St. Peter’s Basilica.
2. St. Mary’s Catholic Church – High Hill, Texas
Known as the “Queen of the Painted Churches,” this one was our personal favorite.
Built in 1906 and painted in 1912, this red-brick Gothic Revival church was decorated by artists Ferdinand Stockert and Hermann Kern using painted canvases that were later affixed to the interior walls and ceiling.
Step inside and it’s a kaleidoscope of color—18 stained-glass windows, a pastel blue dome with gold accents, faux marble columns, and biblical figures perched atop ornate pillars. It’s not just a church—it’s a visual symphony. St. Mary’s is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
3. Saints Cyril and Methodius Church – Dubina, Texas
The original Dubina church was built in 1876 but destroyed in a 1909 hurricane. Rebuilt in 1912, it survived a fire that nearly wiped out the town.
Inside, the church features sky-blue domes dotted with golden stars, floral patterns, and stenciled angels. Sadly, in the 1950s, the vibrant artwork was whitewashed due to concerns it was “too distracting.” Thankfully, in the 1980s, restoration brought the artwork back to life.
Access inside is limited—you can view it from behind a locked gate unless you’re part of a tour or attending a Sunday service—but it’s still worth the stop.
4. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church – Ammannsville, Texas
Nicknamed “The Pink One,” this church is a feast for the eyes. From the outside, it’s a quaint wooden structure with stained glass. Inside, it’s an explosion of pink walls, green flooring, golden stenciling, and painted statues.
The ceiling is domed, the altar is towering, and the interior tells a story of Czech heritage and resilience. After hurricanes and fires destroyed two previous churches, the community rebuilt—yet again—in 1918, using the concrete foundation of the second church. That determination is part of what makes this place special.
5. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – Serbin, Texas
This is the only non-Catholic painted church we visited, and while it’s a bit out of the way, it still impressed us.
Built in 1870 and painted by the congregation in 1906 (without professional help!), the interior is a calm blend of white marble tones and cerulean blue accents.
What makes this church really unique is its “double-decker” layout. The pulpit is 20 feet off the ground—possibly the tallest in Texas. Men sat in the upper balcony, while women and children sat below, a reversal of traditional European church customs.
Yet, its beauty is not all it boasts… This “double-decker” church has upstairs pews. Many say that its pulpit, which is located 20 feet off the ground on the second level of the church, is the tallest in Texas!
Guided Tours vs. DIY
The Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce offers guided tours of the Painted Churches. Tours last 3–4 hours, require a reservation (at least two weeks in advance), and cost $10 per person, plus a $50 deposit. You provide your own transportation, but some van tours are available on Mondays and Thursdays during October and November.
That said, it’s easy to do this tour on your own, especially if you’re budget-minded or prefer exploring at your own pace. We found that approach to be just fine!
Final Thoughts
The Painted Churches of Texas are historical treasures—testaments to faith, perseverance, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re an architecture buff, a photographer, or just someone who enjoys hidden gems, these churches are well worth the trip.
Tip for fellow photographers: Visit on sunny days for the best light filtering through stained-glass windows, especially in the late morning or early afternoon.
Hours: Most churches are open Monday–Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM. Be respectful—these are active places of worship. Services or events may limit access.
What interesting places can you recommend?
We’re always on the lookout for unique, out-of-the-way experiences to add to our list.
Thanks for taking the time to read our article!
If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you in the section below.
If you’re looking to build your own home-based business like we have with this webpage, check out Wealthy Affiliate.
Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one platform that you can build your whole affiliate marketing business on. It combines training, software, and website hosting into one. This makes the whole process of starting an online business from scratch much easier, especially if you’re new to building a website.
