Church of Saint Anthony of Padua (Znojmo)

The Church of Saint Anthony of Padua is a small Baroque church perched on a rocky outcrop above the Gránický stream valley, in the Znojmo-Hradiště district. Its modest scale and scenic setting make it a quiet draw for pilgrims and visitors alike, offering a calmer alternative to the busier historic center of Znojmo.

How do you get there?

The church stands in the Hradiště district, on high ground overlooking the Gránický stream valley. It's reached via a pilgrimage path that is best walked rather than driven — the route itself, lined with Stations of the Cross, is part of the experience. The walk from Znojmo's historic center takes relatively little time and pairs naturally with a day spent exploring the town.

What is the history behind the church?

The church was built in 1622 on the initiative of Thomas of Šlesin, provost of the Church of Saint Hippolytus and an advisor to Emperor Leopold I. It was consecrated the following year, in 1623, under the patronage of Ernest Adalbert of Harrach, the newly appointed Archbishop of Prague. Backed by figures close to both imperial and church authority, the foundation carried significance well beyond what its small size might suggest.

Later in the same century, a modest chapel dedicated to Saint Elijah was added nearby, and the path leading through the wooded Gránický valley was turned into a Way of the Cross. This transformed the church into a genuine pilgrimage destination, one that continued to draw the faithful from the surrounding region for centuries afterward.

What can you see at the site?

The centerpiece of the interior is the main altar, featuring a painting of Saint Anthony meeting the Christ Child during evening prayer — a work by the Znojmo-based painter Vojtěch Radda. This scene, one of the most recognizable episodes in the saint's iconography, gives the interior a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

Just as central to the experience is the Way of the Cross running through the Gránický stream valley up to the church. Its current form dates to a reconstruction carried out in 1992, meaning today's stations reflect a careful restoration of the historic route, adapted for present-day pilgrims and walkers alike.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the site's character depends on the wooded, hillside route leading to it, spring and autumn are the most rewarding times to visit — the path is dry and easy to walk, and the valley's greenery is at its most striking. The church and its approach work well as a peaceful complement to a day in Znojmo's historic center, particularly for visitors looking for a break from the pace of the town.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the church located? In the Znojmo-Hradiště district, on a rocky rise above the Gránický stream valley.

Who founded the church? Thomas of Šlesin, provost of the Church of Saint Hippolytus and an advisor to Emperor Leopold I, in 1622.

What is depicted on the main altar? A painting of Saint Anthony of Padua meeting the Christ Child during evening prayer, painted by the Znojmo artist Vojtěch Radda.

What is the Way of the Cross next to the church? A pilgrimage path running through the Gránický stream valley, originally laid out in the 17th century and reconstructed in its current form in 1992.