Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius stands in Molenburk, a hamlet that today forms part of the village of Vysočany in the Blansko district, South Moravian Region, Czech Republic. This modest Roman Catholic church, built in the second half of the 19th century, still serves its original parish community.

Where exactly is the church located?

Molenburk stopped being a separate municipality in 1964, when it merged with the neighbouring settlement of Housko to form the joint village of Vysočany. Older sources and some maps still list Molenburk on its own, but administratively it is now a part of Vysočany. The church stands at coordinates 49.432734, 16.813040, on slightly elevated ground above the former Molenburk settlement.

When was the church built?

Construction was initiated in 1864 by the parish priest of nearby Sloup, Alois Wolf. The project relied heavily on contributions from local parishioners, for whom building their own church was the result of years of fundraising and effort. Work continued until 1874, although the building itself was consecrated earlier, on 23 November 1873. A parish house was added in 1876, cementing the settlement's status as an independent parish.

Who are the church's patron saints?

The church is dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 9th-century missionaries credited with bringing Christianity to the Slavic peoples of Great Moravia and creating the Glagolitic script. The choice of patrons is not incidental: South Moravia was the historical heartland of Great Moravia, the very region where the two brothers carried out their mission. Every year, the church in Molenburk hosts a parish pilgrimage tied to the anniversary of the saints' mission - the most significant religious event in the local calendar.

Has the church been renovated?

Yes. Repair works were carried out between 2007 and 2009, keeping the building in good technical condition. As a result, despite being more than 150 years old, the church remains well maintained and continues to be used for regular services.

Who should visit?

The church in Molenburk is a typical example of rural Moravian sacred architecture - not a headline monument, but an important landmark and spiritual centre for the surrounding villages. It is worth a stop for travellers exploring the Moravian Karst area or heading toward nearby Sloup, especially those interested in 19th-century rural parish building and settlement history in Moravia.

Frequently asked questions

Is Molenburk a separate village? Not since 1964, when it merged with Housko to form the municipality of Vysočany. Molenburk today is used as the name for one part of that village.

Who initiated the construction of the church? The parish priest of Sloup, Alois Wolf, in 1864, with financial support from local parishioners.

When was the church consecrated? On 23 November 1873, although building work continued until 1874.

Which saints is the church dedicated to? Saints Cyril and Methodius, the 9th-century missionaries to the Slavs.

Are there any events held at the church? Yes, an annual parish pilgrimage marking the anniversary of the mission of Saints Cyril and Methodius.