Church of Saint John the Baptist (Město Touškov)

The Church of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist stands at the heart of Město Touškov, a small town in the Plzeň-sever district of the Plzeň Region in western Czechia. Its onion-domed tower is visible from across the surrounding countryside, and the building ranks among the most valuable religious monuments in the area.

What is the history behind the church?

The present church was built between 1777 and 1778 on the site of an earlier place of worship. Its construction was commissioned by Amandus Streer, the last abbot of Kladruby Abbey, the Benedictine monastery to which Město Touškov administratively belonged at the time. The work was carried out by architect and builder Antonín Haffenecker, and some sources suggest he may have drawn on plans by, or worked under the influence of, Kilián Ignác Dientzenhofer, one of the leading figures of Bohemian Baroque architecture. The new church was consecrated on 18 October 1778 and has served as the town's parish church ever since.

What can visitors see inside and outside?

The church is a Late Baroque building. It has a single-nave layout oriented to the east, following the traditional liturgical axis of Christian churches. On the western side rises a distinctive pyramid-shaped tower crowned with a bulbous onion dome - the feature that makes the building instantly recognizable in the town's skyline.

Inside, the main altar is Rococo in style and dedicated to the church's patron, Saint John the Baptist. Two side altars flank it: one honoring the Virgin Mary, the other Saint Benedict, a nod to the Benedictine order of Kladruby Abbey, whose abbot funded the church's construction. Most of the interior furnishings date from the time the building went up, giving the church a consistent, cohesive eighteenth-century character throughout.

The church is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, a status that reflects its historical and architectural significance.

How do you get to the church?

The church sits right in the center of Město Touškov, a small town located a little over a dozen kilometers northwest of Plzeň. The easiest way to reach it is by car or by local bus from Plzeň, as the town lies along a road connecting the regional capital with surrounding villages. Given the compact size of Město Touškov, the church tower is visible from almost anywhere in the center, and the walk from a bus stop or parking area typically takes just a few minutes.

When is the best time to visit?

As an active place of worship, the church is primarily accessible during services and according to the parish's opening schedule, which is worth checking in advance since hours can vary seasonally. The church also takes part in the nationwide Night of Churches event, held annually in spring, when churches across the country open their doors to visitors outside regular hours - a good opportunity to see the interior without attending a mass.

Frequently asked questions

Who built the church in Město Touškov? Construction between 1777 and 1778 was commissioned by Amandus Streer, the last abbot of the Benedictine monastery at Kladruby, with the work carried out by architect Antonín Haffenecker.

What architectural style is the church built in? The church is a Late Baroque building with a single-nave layout, an eastward orientation, and a distinctive western tower topped by a pyramidal roof and a bulbous onion dome.

What is inside the church? The interior holds a Rococo main altar dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and two side altars devoted to the Virgin Mary and Saint Benedict, with most furnishings dating from the eighteenth century.

Is the church a protected heritage site? Yes, the building is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic in recognition of its architectural and historical value.