Church of Saint Rastislav of Moravia

The Church of St. Rostislav in Znojmo is a small but distinctive Orthodox place of worship in this historic South Moravian town. It is one of the few churches in the Czech Republic dedicated to Saint Rostislav — a figure tied to the Great Moravian tradition, a rare patron even in countries with a stronger Orthodox presence.

What is the Church of St. Rostislav?

The church serves as an Orthodox parish and belongs to the Jihlava deanery within the Olomouc-Brno eparchy of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia. This means that Znojmo, a town best known for its Catholic architecture and its historic castle, is also home to a living Orthodox community with its own place of worship. The building is officially registered as a protected heritage site, confirming its importance to the region's cultural and religious legacy.

For visitors to Znojmo, the church offers an interesting counterpoint to the town's dominant Roman Catholic architecture — Gothic churches, Baroque monasteries, and the rotunda within the castle grounds. The presence of an Orthodox parish reflects the religious diversity of the modern Czech Republic, where new communities have formed over the past decades, often connected to migration from Slovakia, Ukraine, and other countries with Eastern Christian traditions.

How do you get there?

The church is located in Znojmo, a town in South Moravia near the Austrian border, on the banks of the Dyje river. Its geographic coordinates are 48.8553N, 16.0586E, making it easy to locate with GPS navigation or a mapping app. Znojmo is well connected to Brno and to Vienna in neighboring Austria, making it a convenient base for travelers exploring both the Czech Republic and the Czech-Austrian borderland.

The town itself is best explored on foot — Znojmo's historic center, listed as a heritage zone, is full of townhouses, narrow streets, and viewpoints over the Dyje valley. As a house of worship belonging to a religious minority, the church is usually off the main tourist trail, so it is worth planning a dedicated visit and checking in advance whether the interior is accessible — parish churches are typically open mainly during services.

What should you know before visiting?

Keep in mind that this is an active place of worship, not a museum — the best time to see the interior is during a service or by contacting the parish directly. As a protected heritage building, its structure and architectural details have retained historical value that will interest anyone curious about sacred architecture.

A visit to the church pairs well with other Znojmo attractions — the town is known for its underground passages, its castle with the Rotunda of St. Catherine, and the wine region it belongs to. Small as it is, the Church of St. Rostislav can be a worthwhile addition to an itinerary for travelers interested in the region's religious and architectural diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What denomination is the Church of St. Rostislav in Znojmo? It is an Orthodox church, part of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, within the Olomouc-Brno eparchy and the Jihlava deanery.

Is the church a protected heritage site? Yes, the building is registered as a heritage-protected structure, confirming its significance to local cultural heritage.

Where exactly is the church located? In Znojmo, South Moravia, at coordinates 48.8553N, 16.0586E.

Can visitors see the interior? As an active parish church, it is mainly accessible during services — it's best to check opening times or contact the parish beforehand.