Church of Saint Bartholomew (Medlov)

The Church of Saint Bartholomew is a modest yet historically layered church that overlooks Medlov, a small town in the Brno-venkov district of the South Moravian Region. Perched on a rise at the edge of the settlement, it is visible from a distance, and the grounds around it include a stone cross by the entrance stairs and an iron cross on the southern side.

How old is the church?

The earliest reference to a church in Medlov dates to around 1238, though historians note that the document containing this mention was actually written in the second half of the 13th century and is considered a forgery — so the date should be treated with caution rather than as historical fact. The structure visitors see today largely dates from the second half of the 14th century, when a Gothic nave and a polygonally closed presbytery were built; these two elements still form the core of the building.

How has the building changed over time?

A tower was most likely added around the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, giving the church a more pronounced vertical silhouette. A major turning point came with a fire in 1749, after which the entire building was remodeled in the Baroque style — changing much of its decoration and architectural detailing, while the medieval nave and presbytery layout survived underneath. Further significant work took place in 1852, when a musical gallery was added inside and two external staircases were built leading up to the church.

What is the church's status today?

The Church of Saint Bartholomew currently serves as the parish church for the local community and is listed as a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic, reflecting its historical and architectural significance within the Brno-venkov district.

What can visitors see on site?

Beyond the building itself — a blend of Gothic origins and later Baroque remodeling — it is worth noting the elements surrounding it: a stone cross standing by the stairs leading to the entrance, and an iron cross positioned on the southern side of the church. Because it sits on elevated ground, the church acts as a natural landmark within the landscape of Medlov and the surrounding hills of the South Moravian Region.

How do you get to Medlov?

Medlov lies in the Brno-venkov district, a short distance from the city of Brno, making the church an easy day-trip destination for anyone exploring the South Moravian Region. Its approximate coordinates are 49.0354°N, 16.5225°E, which makes it straightforward to plan a route using GPS navigation.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church in Medlov a protected monument? Yes, the Church of Saint Bartholomew is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic due to its medieval origins and later Baroque alterations.

Where does the church's current appearance come from? The core structure — the nave and presbytery — dates from the second half of the 14th century, the tower was added around the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries, and the Baroque appearance followed a fire in 1749.

Is the church still used for services? Yes, it functions as an active parish church serving the community of Medlov and the surrounding area.

What else is there to see near the church? A stone cross stands by the stairs leading to the entrance, and an iron cross is placed on the southern side of the building — both are integral parts of the site's surroundings.