Texas RV Travel : Journeys: Painted Churches
The Colorado River and the Painted Churches of Fayette County
In November, we camped on the Colorado River and toured the Painted Churches of Fayette County. These churches are located within 15 miles of Schulenburg, and stand in stark contrast to Spanish mission style of church found elsewhere in Texas. Guided tours are available through the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce (866) 504-5294.
The rolling hills around Schulenburg are crisscrossed by streams, dotted with ponds, and populated with more wildlife than people. The drive alone is worth the trip. If you are more adventurous, grab a map and visit:
Painted Churches Tour of Fayette County |
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From I-10, exit 577, journey north on FM 1383 for about two miles to the church in Dubina. Continue north on FM 1383 for over five miles, turning left on FM 471 to view the church at Amannsville. Continue on FM 1383 to Highway 77, turn north for about a mile and turn left on FM 3171 for two mile to Swiss Alp (not a painted church). Continue on for 2.5 miles and then you have a choice. If you wish to cut your tour short, go left for less than a mile and go right on FM 2672. Almost three miles down the road you will see the church at High Hill. From there, you continue down FM 2782 for 3.5 miles to Highway 90. Turn left and journey into Schulenburg. If you wish to continue the entire tour, go right at FM 956 for little over a mile, turn left on FM 2238 and drive 3 miles to the church at Freyburg (not a painted church). From Freyburg, journey south on FM 2238 for four miles, passing under IH 10 to Highway 90 at Engle. Go right towards Flatonia for about three miles, and turn left on FM 1295. Here you will see the church at Praha. Retrace your steps to Engle and continue on Highway 90 to FM 2672. Turn north again for 3.5 miles, crossing under IH10 to the final destination, High Hill. After viewing the church and cemetery, go north to FM 440 and go right for about 1.5 miles. When you reach Highway 77, turn south and drive under IH10 and into the heart of historic Schulenburg. |
The most impressive painted churches were the wooden churches at Dubina and Ammansville, the brick church at High Hill and the stone church at Praha. For more information on the artist who painted Durbina, please see the Handbook of Texas Online. The other churches listed above are not painted, but are still representative of the pioneer founders of Texas.
| Looking toward the intricately carved wooden altar. The ceiling is painted sky blue and the columns are faux painted to appear as marble. This is a small wooden church with the soul of a great cathedral. |
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| The picture below is a close up of the painted ceiling with the top of the carved altar showing at the bottom. |
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| Now, turn around and look back, past the chandelier to the immense organ in the choir loft. Note the carved wooden confessional in the lower left and the arches that glorify God. It was incredible. |
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Painted Churches of Schulenburg |
Updated 02/18/2011