Church of Saint Anthony of Padua (Sokolov)

The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua stands on the southwestern edge of Sokolov's town centre, forming part of the former Capuchin monastery complex. The whole site — monastery and church together — is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and ranks among the oldest surviving buildings in the town.

How did the monastery and church come to be built?

The Capuchins settled in Sokolov in 1663 at the invitation of Count Jan Hartvík of Nostic, then owner of the local estate, who funded the construction. Work on the monastery and church began the following year, and the building was consecrated on 20 October 1667 by Bishop Maxmilián Rudolf Schleinitz. The community survived the wave of monastery dissolutions under Emperor Joseph II in the late 18th century and kept operating uninterrupted until 1950, when the communist authorities shut it down as part of a broader crackdown on religious orders. The church itself was then converted into a warehouse.

What can you see inside?

The building is an example of early Baroque architecture typical of the Capuchin order — a plain, single-nave, rectangular structure built without excessive ornamentation, in keeping with the order's rule of poverty. Two side chapels are placed symmetrically along the main nave, giving the interior a clear, balanced layout. This restrained form stands in contrast to the more lavish Baroque churches of the same era, and it's one of the reasons the building is valued as a heritage site today.

What happens here now?

The town took over the entire monastery complex in 1961 and has been gradually restoring it since the 1990s. In 1999 the church interior was adapted for a new role as a concert and exhibition hall. Since then it has regularly hosted classical and chamber music concerts as well as art exhibitions, blending its historic architecture with Sokolov's active cultural life.

How do you get there?

The church sits within easy walking distance of Sokolov's town centre, on its southwestern fringe. Its proximity to the historic core makes it simple to combine a visit with a walk past the town's other landmarks, without needing any additional transport.

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to come is during one of the concerts or exhibitions held inside — that's when the interior is used exactly as intended in its current role. It's worth checking Sokolov's local cultural events calendar beforehand, since the programme changes seasonally.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church still used for religious services? No — it now functions as a concert and exhibition hall rather than an active parish church.

When was the church built? Construction began in 1664, a year after the Capuchins arrived in Sokolov, and the building was consecrated in 1667.

Who funded the monastery's construction? Count Jan Hartvík of Nostic, owner of the Sokolov estate at the time.

What can visitors see inside today? An early Baroque, single-nave church with two symmetrical side chapels, now used as a venue for concerts and exhibitions.