Church of Saint Margaret

Church of Saint Margaret stands on the northern edge of Přímětice, a former village now absorbed into Znojmo as one of its districts. It serves as the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Přímětice and is listed as a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic. For travelers exploring the area around Znojmo, it offers a quiet, lightly visited stop that pairs medieval church architecture with an unusual connection to early Czech science.

How old is the church in Přímětice?

The oldest surviving part of the building dates back to the first quarter of the 13th century. The Gothic chancel is the only element preserved from the original medieval structure, and it remains the clearest evidence of the church's early origins. The rest of the building was reshaped over time in the Baroque style, so today the church combines a Gothic core with a Baroque exterior and interior — a common pattern among rural churches in Moravia that survived centuries of rebuilding.

What changed during the 18th century?

In 1730 the church underwent a significant expansion: the Chapel of Saint Barbara was added as a second nave, linked to the main body of the church by three openings. That arrangement didn't last long. A fire in 1794 damaged the building, and in its aftermath the chapel was demolished while the vault of the main nave was repaired. The fire and subsequent rebuilding are what shaped the church's current form.

What is the church's connection to Prokop Diviš?

One of the most notable threads in the church's history is its link to Prokop Diviš, a Czech priest and naturalist known for early experiments with electricity and for building a grounded lightning rod. Diviš served as a priest at this very church. A monument near the building commemorates him with a model of his early lightning rod. The monument was erected in 1936, designed by architect Bohuslav Fuchs, one of the leading figures of Czech functionalist architecture.

Is it worth combining a visit with other sights in Znojmo?

Přímětice sits on the outskirts of Znojmo, which makes the church a natural stop on a route connecting the city center with the surrounding former villages now folded into it. It suits travelers looking for authentic, less-crowded religious heritage sites — away from the crowds typical of Znojmo's main old-town attractions, but backed by a well-documented history stretching back to the Middle Ages.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Church of Saint Margaret located? On the northern edge of Přímětice, a district of Znojmo in the Moravia region of the Czech Republic.

Which part of the church is the oldest? The Gothic chancel, dating from the first quarter of the 13th century — the only surviving element of the original structure.

Why is the Chapel of Saint Barbara no longer there? It was added in 1730 but demolished after a fire damaged the church in 1794, when the main nave's vault was rebuilt.

Who was Prokop Diviš and why is he connected to this church? A Czech priest and inventor credited with building one of the earliest lightning rods, who served as a priest here. A 1936 monument by architect Bohuslav Fuchs commemorates him near the church.

Is the church a legally protected monument? Yes, it is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.