Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius stands in the Hejčín district of Olomouc, in the Czech region of Moravia, and ranks among the most recognizable modern churches in the area. Its design pairs a restrained, almost plain exterior with a richly decorated interior, making it a notable example of interwar architecture that merges classicizing modernism with the traditional basilica form.

How did the church come to be built?

The project dates back to the mid-1920s. In 1925 the local church association approached architect Ladislav Skřivánek to draw up an architectural and urban design, but he failed to deliver detailed plans or a budget, so the association dropped his proposal and launched an anonymous design competition instead. Held between 1928 and 1929, the competition was won by architect and builder Josef Šálek of Brno, who then developed his own final project. Construction started on 16 September 1929 and was completed in 1932 under builders Jindřich Kylián and Tomáš Šipka.

What's inside the church?

The interior follows the layout of a three-nave Roman basilica, measuring 44 metres long, 18 metres wide and 14.5 metres high — a striking contrast to the plain exterior walls. The sculptural decoration was the work of Julius Pelikán, who carved and cast pieces in stone, metal and wood, including bronze statues of Saints Cyril and Methodius, sculptures on the side altars, and works in the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. The building as a whole measures 72 metres in length and 20 metres in width, making it one of the larger churches in the region.

What happened to the bells?

The church's bells have a turbulent history. During the Second World War, occupying forces confiscated nine of the original bells, leaving only one in place. It wasn't until 1994 that three new bells were consecrated, named after the Holy Trinity, Saints Cyril and Methodius, and the Virgin Mary — restoring part of the church's lost sound.

How do you get there?

The church sits in the Hejčín district, northwest of Olomouc's historic centre, at coordinates 49.6026 N, 17.2331 E. It makes a good stop for visitors exploring Olomouc beyond the main square, since Hejčín is within walking distance or a short public-transport ride from downtown, allowing an easy combination with the city's other landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Olomouc built? Construction began on 16 September 1929 and finished in 1932, based on a design by architect Josef Šálek of Brno.

What architectural style does the church represent? It combines classicizing modernist elements with the form of a three-nave Roman basilica — a plain exterior paired with a richly decorated interior.

Who created the sculptural decoration inside? Sculptor Julius Pelikán made the artworks, including bronze statues of Saints Cyril and Methodius, working in stone, metal and wood.

What happened to the original bells? Nine of the church's ten bells were confiscated during World War II. Three replacement bells were only consecrated in 1994.