Chapel of Saint Joseph (Luhačovice)

The Chapel of Saint Joseph in Luhačovice is a historic castle chapel standing next to the chateau in the centre of one of the best-known Czech spa towns, in the Zlín Region. For decades it served as the parish church for the whole town before a newer, larger church took over that role.

Where is the chapel located and who did it belong to?

The chapel forms part of the chateau on Masarykova street, a single-storey Baroque building with two wings, built in the 17th and 18th centuries. The chateau and its adjoining chapel once belonged to the Serényi family, owners of the Luhačovice estate. For this aristocratic family, the chapel served as a private place of worship closely tied to the everyday life of the manor.

Why did the small chapel stop being enough for the local congregation?

From the late 19th century onward, Luhačovice grew rapidly as a spa town built around its local mineral springs, drawing an increasing number of permanent residents and visiting patients. The modest castle chapel, originally designed to serve the needs of the manor, could no longer accommodate the expanding congregation. Discussions about the need for a new, larger parish church began already at that time.

Which church eventually took over the parish role?

The answer to the growing parish's needs was the Church of the Holy Family, built between 1996 and 1997. Since then, it has served as the main parish church of Luhačovice, while the Chapel of Saint Joseph retained its status as a valuable sacred monument, historically important even though its liturgical role today is smaller.

Who looks after the chapel today?

The castle chapel of Saint Joseph remains under the administration of the Roman Catholic parish of Luhačovice, together with the Chapel of the Virgin Mary at the local Augustinian house. Both buildings form part of the town's sacred heritage, even though everyday parish life today centres mainly around the newer Church of the Holy Family.

Is it worth visiting the chapel during a stay at the spa?

For visitors exploring Luhačovice, the Chapel of Saint Joseph is an interesting stop that links the history of the local aristocracy with the story of the spa town itself. It stands right next to the chateau, so it is easy to combine a visit with a short walk through the historic, spa part of town, known above all for its distinctive spa architecture and mineral water colonnades.

Frequently asked questions

What was the Chapel of Saint Joseph before the Church of the Holy Family was built? It served as the parish church for the residents and spa guests of Luhačovice, while also functioning as the private chapel of the Serényi family at the local chateau.

Where exactly is the chapel located? It stands next to the chateau in Luhačovice, on Masarykova street, in the central part of town.

When was the new parish church in Luhačovice built? The Church of the Holy Family, which took over as the main parish church, was built between 1996 and 1997.

Does the chapel still serve religious functions? Yes, together with the Chapel of the Virgin Mary at the Augustinian house, it remains under the care of the local Roman Catholic parish, although main services now take place at the Church of the Holy Family.

Who owned the chateau next to which the chapel stands? The chateau and its adjoining chapel belonged to the Serényi family, owners of the Luhačovice estate, and the building itself dates from the Baroque period (17th–18th century).