Church of Saint James the Greater (Boskovice)

The Church of Saint James the Greater is a Gothic parish church standing on the western side of the main square (náměstí Masarykovo) in Boskovice, in the Blansko district of the South Moravian Region. It ranks among the town's most important monuments, and its tall tower has shaped the local skyline for centuries.

How old is the church in Boskovice?

The earliest written record of the church dates back to 1346, though the structure visible today is essentially late Gothic in character. In its original form the church had three towers — an unusually ambitious arrangement for a parish church in this part of Moravia, reflecting the wealth and standing of its founders.

The rebuilding under Ladislav of Boskovice

The most significant chapter in the building's history unfolded around 1500, when it underwent a thorough reconstruction commissioned by Ladislav (Velen) of Boskovice, one of the most educated noblemen of his era. Besides this church, he also founded a church in Chornice, built the town hall in Boskovice, and constructed a castle in Moravská Třebová, which he made his main residence. It was during his lifetime that the church took on much of the shape recognizable today.

Why is the tower shorter than it used to be?

The church's history has not been without setbacks — a series of fires struck the building over the centuries, each time forcing repairs that altered its appearance. The clearest trace of this is the clock tower: it stands 41 meters tall today, down from an original height of about 60 meters before the fires and later rebuilding works. Even reduced, the tower still dominates the square and the surrounding rooftops.

What is inside the church worth seeing?

Inside, the church preserves valuable features from several different periods layered onto its Gothic core. Among the most notable are Renaissance-era tombs, evidence that the church has long served as a burial place for local nobility and prominent townspeople. In 1670, a Loretan Chapel was added to the main body of the church, endowed by Jan Bohuš Morkovský of Zástřizl — a typical Baroque gesture of piety modeled on the Holy House of Loreto, a devotional pattern that spread widely across Central Europe at the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Church of Saint James the Greater located? The church stands on the western side of the main square (náměstí Masarykovo) in the center of Boskovice, in the Blansko district of the South Moravian Region.

How old is the church? The first written mention dates from 1346, and the building's current late Gothic form largely dates from a major reconstruction around 1500.

How many towers did the church originally have? It originally had three towers. After fires and rebuilding, one clock tower survives, now standing 41 meters tall, down from an earlier height of about 60 meters.

What can visitors see inside? Inside are Renaissance tombs and a Baroque Loretan Chapel, added in 1670 by Jan Bohuš Morkovský of Zástřizl.