Saint Giles Church on the Kostelní Square in the centre of Nymburk was built probably in the 13th century, as well as the surrounding town. However, there are no preserved sources confirming its origins. The church is a three nave basilica with a long chancel and a tower in the front. There was also a second tower, but now there are only its remains.
The temple is an example of brick Gothic architecture, except of a few parts which are made from sandstone. Its thin tower reaches 66 metres and together with mediaeval ramparts creates a characteristic silhouette of the town. The dean's church was initially dedicated to Saint Nicholas, during the Thirty Years' War the dedication changed to Saint Giles. The church is a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.
The church has many interesting and valuable things inside. The most valuable one is a plastic of the first patron St. Nicholas, made of stone. The plastic probably came from the workshop of a sculptor Peter Parler (the 14th century) but it might be even older than that. Most of church's equipment is in the Baroque style. The main altar in the front is from 1704.
References:Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.