Scattered across quiet backroads and tiny towns, these incredible old churches look plain on the outside—but inside, it’s like stepping into a rainbow.
We’re talking hand-painted ceilings, gold details, and walls full of flowers and stars, you’ll wonder how this is real life and not a movie set.
This road trip feels like searching for secret art galleries hidden in the middle of nowhere, so grab some snacks, fill up the tank, and get ready for one lovely ride.
Let’s go!
1. St. Mary’s Church, Praha
St. Mary’s Church in Praha looks stunning, with bright sky-blue ceilings, gold stars, and walls covered in hand-painted flowers, vines, and angels.
You’ll find it right off Highway 90, about halfway between Houston and San Antonio, and it’s one of the most famous painted churches in the state.
Don’t miss the tall wooden altars carved in Gothic style or the stained-glass windows that light up the whole place like a kaleidoscope when the sun hits just right.
2. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, High Hill
Next up is the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in High Hill, and trust us—this one’s a total showstopper.
Nicknamed the “Queen of the Painted Churches,” it is decorated with dramatic reds, deep blues, and gold leaf accents.
Look up, and you’ll see a ceiling painted like the sky, complete with trompe-l’œil details that make flat surfaces look like carved stone.
3. Saint John the Baptist Czech Catholic Church, Ammannsville
Then there’s Saint John the Baptist Church in Ammannsville, also known as the “Pink Church”—and yes, it’s exactly as charming as it sounds.
This one’s all about soft rose-colored walls, delicate floral stenciling, and a peaceful, cozy vibe that feels more like a sweet countryside chapel than a grand cathedral.
Rebuilt by Czech settlers in 1919 after two earlier churches were lost, it is beautifully preserved and still hosts Mass today.
4. St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Dubina
St. Cyril and Methodius Church in Dubina is tucked away under a canopy of oak trees, and feels like a hidden treasure waiting to be found.
Step inside, and you’ll see soft blue ceilings, lace-like stenciled patterns, and scenes of saints so detailed you’d swear they were done with a fine-tipped paintbrush.
Dubina was the first Czech settlement in Texas, and this little church—rebuilt after a hurricane in the 1900s—feels like a love letter to the old country.
5. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Plantersville
St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Plantersville is bold and seriously gorgeous with its steeple and red brick façade that can be spotted from down the road.
Inside, it’s packed with bright stained glass, hand-painted scrollwork, and a deep blue ceiling scattered with golden stars.
The church was originally built in 1894 by German immigrants and rebuilt in 1917 after a fire.
It still feels like the heart of the town, especially during fall festivals when the whole community shows up for food, music, and celebration.
6. Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Corn Hill
Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Corn Hill is a total surprise—in the best way—with its grand stone exterior rising out of the Texas countryside like something from Europe.
Inside, the wooden pews, cream-colored walls, and soft murals create a cozy, lived-in atmosphere that sets it apart from the trail’s more colorful churches.
Built by Czech immigrants in 1914, it’s still the tallest building for miles—and the bell tower at sunset delivers a view you won’t forget.
7. St Mary’s Catholic Church, Fredericksburg
St. Mary’s Catholic Church is a double feature—the original 1860s stone church is right next to the newer Gothic-style one, and both are seriously beautiful in their own way.
The newer church is tall and dramatic, with stained glass that floods the aisles with color.
The older one is smaller and simpler, with thick limestone walls.
It’s right in the heart of town, so you can grab a schnitzel or some peach ice cream just down the street after you explore the churches.
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