Church in Budislav

The Church of God's Love (Kostel Boží lásky) sits in the middle of Budislav, a small village in the Pardubice Region about 15 kilometers southwest of Litomyšl. Unlike most rural churches in the area, this one rises directly out of a former sandstone quarry, and it carries no dedication to a particular saint — its name reflects the fact that it was built to serve believers of several Christian denominations at once.

What makes this church stand out?

The building's floor plan is shaped like a human heart, and its roof was designed to echo the outline of a linden leaf. Construction started in 1995, led by investor Jaroslav Vomáčka and designed by architect Jana Vohralíková, and the church was consecrated in 2003. Because the site itself was an exhausted sandstone quarry right in the village center, the surrounding rock walls became part of the architecture rather than an obstacle to it.

What can you see inside and around it?

Visitors walk past a Stations of the Cross series made in ceramic by the studio of Jiří Dudycha, set along the interior walls. The altar was carved from local sandstone by academic sculptor Petr Váňa, while the ironwork — including forged candle stands and a sculpture set into the rock — was created by Karel Píša. The bell carries a moving heart motif and an inscription declaring love the greatest of virtues, a fitting detail given the building's name and shape. Outside, the sandstone cliffs left from the quarry still frame the church, making the site feel carved out of the landscape rather than added to it.

Who uses the church today?

Because it is ecumenical, the Church of God's Love hosts services from multiple denominations rather than belonging to one parish. On the first Sunday of most months, clergy from five different churches lead a joint ecumenical service — an arrangement that, according to local reporting, brought together congregations that had historically kept their distance. Beyond regular worship, the building is also used for weddings, christenings, concerts, and funerals, making it a functional community space as much as a place of prayer.

How do you get there and when should you visit?

Budislav lies in the Svitavy district, within easy reach of Litomyšl, a town best known for its UNESCO-listed chateau. The area is dotted with sandstone rock formations and shallow gorges, so a stop at the church pairs naturally with a short walk through the surrounding rocks. Spring and summer offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring on foot, while autumn adds color from the trees growing around the old quarry, complementing the leaf-shaped roofline above.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Church of God's Love a Catholic church? No — it is ecumenical and was deliberately built without a saint's dedication so it could serve several Christian denominations equally.

When was the church built? Construction began in 1995 in a disused sandstone quarry and finished with the church's consecration in 2003.

What is unusual about its architecture? The floor plan is shaped like a heart and the roof echoes a linden leaf; the altar and Stations of the Cross were made from local sandstone and ceramic by named Czech artists rather than mass-produced.

Can the church be visited for events other than services? Yes, it regularly hosts weddings, christenings, concerts, and funerals in addition to ecumenical Sunday services.