Church of Saint John of Nepomuk in Hluboká nad Vltavou

The Church of Saint John of Nepomuk is a Neo-Gothic parish church standing in Hluboká nad Vltavou, a small South Bohemian town best known for its castle overlooking the Vltava river. While most visitors come for the castle, the parish church nearby has its own history, one tied closely to the Schwarzenberg family that shaped the town through the 19th century.

When was the church built?

The current building replaced an older, earlier church on the same site. Preparatory construction work began in 1844 under the direction of Franz Beer, the ducal builder working for the Schwarzenberg estate, and the foundation stone was laid the following year, in 1845. Construction moved forward steadily: on September 2, 1846, bells taken from the castle chapel were hung in the new tower, signaling that the building was nearing completion. The church was formally consecrated on May 16, 1847, in a ceremony led by Cardinal Friedrich of Schwarzenberg.

Why is the church dedicated to Saint John of Nepomuk?

The choice of patron was deliberate. Saint John of Nepomuk was the patron saint of the Schwarzenberg family, owners of Hluboká Castle and the driving force behind much of the town's religious and civic development at the time. Dedicating the church to him tied the building directly to the family that funded it. The connection is still marked today: every year on May 16, the saint's feast day, Hluboká holds an annual pilgrimage in his honor.

What does the church look like?

The building follows a Neo-Gothic style, laid out on a rectangular plan with a transept, giving it the cross-shaped footprint typical of 19th-century sacred architecture. Its most recognizable feature is the tower standing in front of the west façade, rising to a height of 56 meters — tall enough to be visible from many points around town and to serve, alongside the castle itself, as a landmark for orientation.

Has the church been renovated?

Yes. The building underwent renovation work in the 1990s, which helped preserve its architectural character and keep the structure in good technical condition. The church continues to function as an active parish church rather than existing solely as a sightseeing stop.

Is it worth combining with a castle visit?

Very much so. The church stands in Hluboká nad Vltavou, right next to the castle that draws most visitors to the town. The walk over takes only a few minutes, and the church's Neo-Gothic tower pairs naturally with the equally Neo-Gothic castle architecture, reflecting the broader 19th-century remodeling of the town commissioned by the Schwarzenberg family.

Frequently asked questions

Who built the Church of Saint John of Nepomuk in Hluboká? Construction was led by Franz Beer, the ducal builder working for the Schwarzenberg family, between 1844 and 1847.

When was the church consecrated? It was consecrated on May 16, 1847, in a ceremony led by Cardinal Friedrich of Schwarzenberg.

Why is Saint John of Nepomuk the patron of this church? Because he was the patron saint of the Schwarzenberg family, who owned Hluboká Castle and funded the church.

How tall is the church tower? The tower in front of the west façade stands 56 meters tall.

Is the church still used for services today? Yes, it functions as an active parish church rather than purely a tourist attraction.