Church of Saint Augustine

Church of Saint Augustine in Syrovice is a modest Late Baroque parish church on the edge of the village in the Brno-venkov District, rising above the surrounding houses thanks to its distinctive tower on the west front.

How did this church come to be?

The story begins in 1775, when Marie Cecílie of Sekenberka had a chapel built on the site and dedicated to Saint Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church. For nearly a century the building served purely as a chapel, until the decision was made to enlarge it and turn it into a full parish church. The solemn consecration took place on 30 November 1862, led by Vintíř Kalivoda, abbot of the Rajhrad monastery. Shortly afterwards, between 1862 and 1863, side chapels were added, giving the church the shape it still has today.

What does the architecture look like?

The building is a single-nave church with a sanctuary closed in a polygonal shape — a common solution for Late Baroque village churches in this part of Moravia. On the west façade stands a square bell tower, visible from a considerable distance and acting as a landmark in the Syrovice skyline. The overall design is restrained rather than ornate, which sets it apart from grander town churches but underlines its rural Baroque character. The church is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, and in 1998 it underwent a significant renovation that included replacing the roof.

What surrounds the church?

A cemetery sits directly next to the church, serving the local community of Syrovice. In front of the building stand two typical pieces of rural sacred architecture: a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk and a stone cross, both common features of South Moravian village squares. Together, the church, cemetery and roadside devotional objects form a compact spiritual centre for the village, one that residents return to not only for Sunday Mass but also for local feast days.

What role does the church play today?

The Church of Saint Augustine still functions as the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Syrovice, serving worshippers from the village and the surrounding area. Once a year, as part of the nationwide Night of Churches (Noc kostelů) event, the building opens its doors to visitors from outside the parish, offering a chance to see the interior without attending a service — a good opportunity for anyone interested in local sacred architecture to visit outside regular Mass hours.

How do you get to the church in Syrovice?

Syrovice lies in the Brno-venkov District, close enough to Brno to make the church an easy day-trip destination from the city. The building stands on the village's main square, surrounded by typical South Moravian houses, so it is hard to miss while walking through the village. Timing a visit to coincide with the Night of Churches is worthwhile if you want to see the interior.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the church in Syrovice? The chapel that later became the church was founded in 1775 by Marie Cecílie of Sekenberka.

When was the chapel turned into a full church? The enlargement and conversion into a parish church were completed with a consecration on 30 November 1862, with side chapels added in 1862–1863.

Can visitors see the inside of the church? Yes, among other occasions during the annual Night of Churches, when the building is open to visitors from outside the parish.

Is there anything else worth seeing near the church? Yes — a cemetery lies right next to the church, and a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk together with a stone cross stand in front of it.