Church of Saint Lawrence

Church of Saint Lawrence stands in the historic center of Vysoké Mýto, a town in the Pardubice Region of eastern Czechia. Its two front towers, rising to about 67 meters, dominate the town's skyline and are visible from far outside the city limits.

How do you get there?

The church sits right on the old town square, an easy walk from both the train and bus stations. Vysoké Mýto lies on the route connecting Pardubice and Litomyšl, so arriving by car or regional bus is the most practical option; parking near the square leaves only a short stroll through the narrow streets of the old town to reach the church.

What is the history behind it?

A stone church already stood on this spot at the end of the 13th century, shortly after the town's foundation. The present three-aisled Gothic structure took shape during the 14th century and was reworked repeatedly over the following centuries — the vaulting of the main nave dates from 1525 and rises to more than 21 meters. Fires struck the town and the church in the 15th, 18th and 19th centuries; the blaze of 1774 destroyed the rich Baroque furnishings inside. In the final decades of the 19th century and the early 20th century, the town funded a costly re-Gothicization of the building, first under architect František Schmoranz Sr., then continued by Josef Mocker, and later by J. Podhájský and A. Živný.

What can you see inside?

The interior is covered in Art Nouveau murals by Karel V. Mašek and his students from Prague's School of Applied Arts, painted across the walls and vaulted ceilings — decoration considered significant on a European scale. The high altar holds a monumental painting of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Petr Brandl from 1728, measuring 703 by 296 centimeters; it is the largest known canvas by this painter in the Czech lands, originally created for the monastery church in Sedlec near Kutná Hora. Among the older fittings, a tin baptismal font from 1499 stands out. The church, together with the former churchyard around it that has been the subject of archaeological research, is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

When is the best time to visit?

The church opens to visitors during regular Mass times and during the nationwide Night of Churches event, when parts normally closed to the public — including the towers — become accessible. Spring and summer are the most rewarding seasons, since Vysoké Mýto hosts more cultural events on the adjoining square and the longer daylight hours show off the Art Nouveau frescoes at their best.

Frequently asked questions

How tall are the church towers? The two front towers reach roughly 67 meters and can be seen from a considerable distance when approaching the town.

Who painted the altarpiece? The Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the high altar was painted in 1728 by Petr Brandl — his largest surviving work in the Czech lands.

How old is the current building? The present three-aisled Gothic structure dates from the 14th century, though an earlier church already stood on the site at the end of the 13th century.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, the Church of Saint Lawrence and its surroundings are listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.