Church of Saint Martin

Church of Saint Martin in Strážnice, in the South Moravian Region of the Czech Republic, is a parish church whose Baroque exterior conceals a much older, Gothic history reaching back to the founding of the town itself.

When was the church built?

The original Gothic church was built in the 15th century on the initiative of Jiří z Kravařů, as part of the founding of the new town of Strážnice. It was designed from the start as a town church for a growing settlement, rather than a converted village chapel.

What survives from the Gothic building?

Despite later rebuilding, several elements of the original Gothic structure are still visible today: two bricked-up Gothic portals and buttresses. During a renovation in 1943, six additional bricked-up Gothic windows were discovered, revealing just how much of the medieval building still lies hidden beneath later layers.

How did the church's religious affiliation change over time?

The church's history is closely tied to the succession of the town's owners. In 1500, Strážnice was purchased by the Žerotín family, under whose rule Bohemian Brethren clergy served the church. This changed in 1628, when the town was bought by František Magnis, who initiated a period of re-Catholicization; Catholic services have been held in the church since 1629.

Why does the church look Baroque today?

The building was damaged by fire three times, in 1625, 1704 and 1718. Following the last fire, it was thoroughly rebuilt between 1720 and 1725, when it received a new Baroque presbytery, sacristy, altars, pulpit and statues. This Baroque reconstruction gave the church the appearance it retains today, even though older Gothic elements remain visible within its walls.

What is worth seeing inside?

The focal point of the interior is a painting of Saint Martin, the church's patron, painted in 1833 by Jan Zapletal, a painter from Kroměříž, and placed on the main altar. On the exterior, the bricked-up Gothic entrance portal stands out as a visible trace of the church's earliest building phase, contrasting with the later Baroque facade.

Which parish does the church belong to?

The Church of Saint Martin is the seat of the Roman Catholic parish of Strážnice, part of the Veselí nad Moravou deanery. It stands in the town of Strážnice itself, in the Hodonín district of the South Moravian Region.

Frequently asked questions

Which saint is the church in Strážnice dedicated to? The church is dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours; a 1833 painting of him hangs on the main altar.

Does anything remain from the original Gothic church? Yes. Two bricked-up Gothic portals, buttresses, and six bricked-up windows discovered during a 1943 renovation have survived from the medieval building.

Why does the church look Baroque today? After fires in 1625, 1704 and 1718, the church was thoroughly rebuilt between 1720 and 1725, gaining a Baroque presbytery, altars, pulpit and sculptural decoration.

Who founded the church? It was built in the 15th century on the initiative of Jiří z Kravařů, as part of the founding of the town of Strážnice.

Which parish and deanery does the church belong to? The Roman Catholic parish of Saint Martin in Strážnice, part of the Veselí nad Moravou deanery.