Church of Saint John of Nepomuk (Prostějov)

The Church of Saint John of Nepomuk is a compact yet striking Baroque church in Prostějov, tucked away on Svatoplukova Street next to the former monastery of the Brothers of Mercy, with which it once formed a single architectural complex.

Where does the church come from?

The story begins in the first half of the 18th century. In 1733, the Order of the Brothers of Mercy acquired the site with backing from the princely House of Liechtenstein, which financed a large share of religious construction in the region at the time. The foundation stone was laid in 1751, the vault was closed in 1753, and the building was finished in 1755. It was consecrated on 5 October 1755 by Jan Karel Leopold of Scherffenberg, then auxiliary bishop of Olomouc. The design came from Antonius Erhard Martinelli, court architect to the Liechtenstein family, whose late-Baroque courtly style is clearly visible in the church's proportions and detailing.

What is there to see inside?

Inside, the church is a single-nave, late-Baroque structure architecturally joined to the western wing of the former monastery — walking around the building, it is easy to spot how tightly the church and the monastery wing are fused together. The ceilings and walls are covered with frescoes by František Antonín Sebastini, whose central theme is scenes from the legend of Saint John of Nepomuk, the church's patron. Most of the sculptural decoration was carried out by Josef Schubert, while the woodcarving is the work of František Hirnl. The combination of illusionistic ceiling painting, sculpture and carved woodwork gives the interior a rich feel despite the church's modest footprint.

Is the church still an active place of worship?

Yes. Formally, it is a branch church of the Roman Catholic parish of Saints Peter and Paul in Prostějov, and it once served as the monastery church of the Brothers of Mercy. Today, Salesians celebrate Mass here once a week, on Saturdays. Since January 2023, with the permission of the Archbishop of Olomouc, a Tridentine Latin Mass has also been celebrated every Sunday, drawing visitors interested in the traditional liturgy.

How to get there and when to visit?

The church stands on Svatoplukova Street in Prostějov, in a quiet part of town within easy walking distance of the historic centre — reachable on foot from the main square in around fifteen minutes. As an active place of worship, it is mainly accessible during services (Saturdays and Sundays), so timing a visit around Mass is the best way to see the frescoed interior. Outside service hours access can be limited, so it is worth checking the current schedule with the local parish or the Salesian community beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the church dedicated to? Saint John of Nepomuk, a Czech priest and martyr who is one of the most widely venerated saints in Central Europe — hence the ceiling frescoes depicting scenes from his legend.

When was the church built? Construction ran from 1751 to 1755, though the groundwork dates back to 1733, when the Brothers of Mercy acquired the site. The church was consecrated on 5 October 1755.

Was this originally a monastery church? Yes — it served the Order of the Brothers of Mercy. Today it functions as a branch church of the parish of Saints Peter and Paul, with pastoral care provided by the Salesians.

Can visitors attend a Latin Mass here? Yes, since January 2023 a traditional Tridentine Latin Mass has been celebrated every Sunday.