Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius

The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius stands in the Židenice district of Brno, one of the most distinctive landmarks in this part of the city.

How did the church come to be built?

By the late 19th century, Židenice was growing rapidly, and its expanding population created demand for a new Catholic church in the district. A society dedicated to building one was formed in 1910. The earliest design, drawn up by architect Vladimír Fischer in 1914, followed Art Nouveau lines, but it was abandoned for good once the First World War ended and architectural tastes shifted.

The foundation stone was solemnly consecrated on 28 October 1928. An architectural competition followed in 1930, though none of the entries satisfied the jury. Klaudius Madlmayr's design was eventually approved unanimously, construction began in 1932, and the finished church was consecrated on 27 October 1935.

What architectural style does it represent?

Madlmayr conceived the building as a traditional Romanesque basilica, with an elevated central nave flanked by two aisles, an apsidal presbytery, and a raised transept. This conservative approach stood in sharp contrast to the modernist and functionalist currents that dominated Czech church architecture in the 1930s. The result is a building that deliberately looked backward to historic forms rather than embracing the avant-garde styles then fashionable in Brno.

What can visitors see there?

The exterior draws the eye with the massive, symmetrical composition typical of Romanesque architecture — thick walls, rounded arches, and a compact tower silhouette. Inside, the clear division between the central nave and side aisles preserves the calm, monumental character Madlmayr intended for what was meant to serve as the spiritual heart of the district.

How do you get there?

The church sits in Židenice, east of Brno's historic centre, in the South Moravian Region. Public transport is the easiest way to reach it — a tram or bus connection into the Židenice area — with the journey from the city centre typically taking only a quarter of an hour or so.

When is the best time to visit?

The church can be visited year-round, though it's worth checking local opening hours before arriving, since it primarily serves as a parish church rather than a tourist attraction. The quietest time to look around is on weekdays, outside of Mass times. Židenice itself is a quiet, residential part of Brno, so a visit here pairs well with a walk around the neighbourhood or a trip into the city's compact historic centre nearby.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Brno built? Construction began in 1932 to a design by Klaudius Madlmayr, and the finished church was consecrated on 27 October 1935.

Which district of Brno is the church in? It stands in Židenice, a district east of the city centre, in the South Moravian Region.

What architectural style does the building follow? It was designed as a traditional Romanesque basilica, with an elevated central nave, two side aisles, an apsidal presbytery, and a raised transept.

Was the original design for the church ever built? No — Vladimír Fischer's earlier Art Nouveau design from 1914 was dropped after the First World War in favour of the later competition-winning design by Madlmayr.