Church of Saint Lawrence

The Church of Saint Lawrence sits in the quiet Brno district of Komín, right on the bank of the Svratka River, well away from the bustle of the historic centre. Its roots stretch back to the 14th century, making it one of the older places of worship in the area, and its present form blends a Gothic core with a major expansion from the turn of the 20th century — a rewarding stop for visitors who want to see a side of Brno beyond the usual sightseeing route.

How do you get there?

The church stands on Kristenova Street in the Komín district, a few kilometres northwest of Brno's historic core. The easiest way to reach it is by public transport — Komín is well connected to the city centre by tram and bus lines, and the nearest stop leaves only a short walk to the church. The surrounding area is a residential neighbourhood, so it's worth pairing the visit with a stroll along the Svratka, which flows just beside it.

What's the history behind it?

The original church was founded in 1323 on the orders of Elizabeth Richeza of Poland, a widow of two crowned monarchs known for generously endowing churches across Moravia, and it was built in the Gothic style typical of the period. In 1720 the building suffered serious damage in a major fire and had to be rebuilt, and it underwent another significant renovation between 1883 and 1884. The most dramatic change, however, came at the turn of the 20th century, when architect Antonín Blažek responded to a growing congregation by demolishing the central section of the original structure and replacing it with a considerably larger building featuring a central nave and two side aisles set at a right angle to the earlier layout. The western tower and the former presbytery to the east survived this rebuild, with the presbytery converted into a side chapel. In 2023 the parish marked the 700th anniversary of the church's founding.

What should you look out for inside and outside?

Despite the extensive turn-of-the-century rebuild, the church still carries visible traces of its Gothic origins. Built into its walls is a small Gothic portal in the distinctive "donkey's back" (oslí hřbet) design, named for its flattened, saddle-shaped arch resting on curved sides — a form typical of late Gothic architecture in Central Europe. Inside, look for the Neo-Romanesque wooden pulpit depicting the Four Evangelists and the Stations of the Cross dating from 1932. The overall silhouette, with its retained western tower and the eastern chapel that grew out of the old presbytery, makes it easy to see how the 20th-century extension was grafted onto a medieval core.

When is the best time to visit?

As an active parish church, it's best visited outside Mass times if you want to see the interior at leisure — checking the current schedule with the parish beforehand is a good idea. The Komín neighbourhood and the banks of the Svratka are pleasant year-round, and a visit here pairs naturally with a look at Brno's other historic churches, several of which open more widely to visitors during the city's annual open-churches night.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the Church of Saint Lawrence in Komín? The original church was founded in 1323 by Elizabeth Richeza of Poland, a widow of two crowned monarchs known for endowing churches across Moravia.

Why does the church look different from a medieval building? At the turn of the 20th century, architect Antonín Blažek demolished the central part of the original structure and added a much larger nave with two side aisles, keeping only the western tower and the former presbytery.

What survives from the original Gothic church? A small Gothic portal with the distinctive "donkey's back" arch remains, along with the western tower and the eastern part of the old presbytery, now used as a chapel.

Can visitors go inside on their own? Yes, as an active parish church it's open to visitors outside Mass times — it's best to check current opening hours with the parish before coming.