Church of Saint James the Older

The Church of Saint James the Greater is the deanery church at the heart of Česká Třebová, standing on a plot between Klácelova and Hýblova streets, right next to the Old Town Square. The classicist building that visitors see today has a turbulent backstory stretching back to the Middle Ages, and it counts among the few landmarks in town to have survived the fires that repeatedly swept through Česká Třebová over the centuries.

What is the history behind this church?

The first church on this site was a wooden building dedicated to Saint Nicholas, standing here as early as 1335. That wooden structure didn't last: after a fire, it was replaced by a brick church completed in 1636. Disaster struck again in 1793, when lightning sparked a fire that destroyed the building almost completely.

The town rebuilt quickly. The new church, this time in classicist style, was designed by the Austrian architect Josef Hardtmuth. Construction finished and the church was consecrated in 1801 — the same building that stands in Česká Třebová today. Since May 6, 1964, it has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

What can you see inside?

The interior preserves furnishings dating to the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The main altar and the pulpit both come from this period, and the sculptural decoration was produced in the workshop of Andreas Schweigla, a sculptor from Brno whose name is well known to fans of sacred art in the region.

A detail that music lovers particularly appreciate is the pipe organ. The three-manual electropneumatic instrument was built between 2001 and 2004 by the Vladimír Grygar company from Prostějov — a relatively recent addition that pairs the historic architecture with modern organ-building craftsmanship.

How do you get to the church?

The church sits right in the center of Česká Třebová, directly next to the Old Town Square — the town's most recognizable landmark, so finding it is straightforward. From the square, it's a walk of just a few minutes regardless of which direction you approach from. Česká Třebová is a major railway junction in the Pardubice region, so arriving by train and then walking a short stretch through the historic center is the most convenient way to reach the site.

When is the best time to visit?

The deanery church is best appreciated as part of a walk through the Old Town Square and the historic center — the classicist façade fits neatly with the square's architecture, creating a coherent picture of the region's small-town heritage. It's worth checking local parish announcements if you'd like to catch an organ recital, since the three-manual instrument is sometimes used during services and cultural events.

Frequently asked questions

What was the first church on this site called? The original building was a wooden church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, standing here as far back as 1335, long before the current classicist building was built.

Who designed the present-day church? The classicist building was designed by the Austrian architect Josef Hardtmuth, with construction finished and the church consecrated in 1801.

Is the church a protected landmark? Yes, it has been listed as a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic since May 6, 1964.

What is the highlight of the interior? Alongside the main altar and pulpit from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, the three-manual electropneumatic organ built between 2001 and 2004 is a major draw.