Did you know There is a Santa Claus

Did you know …? There is a Santa Claus church in our town, České Budějovice !!!

The true story of S. Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the 3 rd century in Patara, Turkey.

Nicholas … … became a bishop. He was known for his generosity (giving gifts).

He suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. � He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra �

The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6 th

St. Nicholas in České Budějovice Originally a Gothic parish church In the 16 th century a bell tower was built, called today The Black Tower. In 17 th cent. after a massive fire the church was rebuilt in Baroque style.

In 1785 the church became a home of the bishop and it was upgraded to a cathedral of a new diocese of České Budějovice

Cathedral today It is being repaired. There will be new lighting, a new floor and floor heating.

St. Auratian There are three statues of patron saints on the front of the cathedral. St. Auratian is the patron of the city. A Roman soldier living in the 2 nd/ 3 rd cent, who died for his Christian faith.

St. Wenceslas � A 10 th century Czech prince and the patron saint of the Czech lands. He is the GOOD KING WENCESLAS from the famous Christmas carol

St. Nicholas The third saint on the front facade is Saint Nicholas, the patron of the cathedral