Church of Saints Martin and Procopius in Lobzy

The Church of Saints Martin and Procopius in Lobzy is a small neo-Gothic parish church in the Lobzy district on the eastern edge of Plzeň. Just a few kilometres from the city centre, it still carries the feel of a modest village chapel that the growing city eventually absorbed rather than a grand urban landmark.

Why was a church built in Lobzy?

The project started in early 1904, when the first idea was simply to extend the existing local school with an attached chapel. By April of that year, the plan changed to building a freestanding church instead. The municipal council approved the construction budget in September 1904, and the contract was awarded to a builder at the end of October. Work on site began in spring 1905 and was finished by that same summer. The entire building was funded by donations from the residents of Lobzy, collected between 1904 and 1906. The finished church was formally consecrated on 7 October 1906 by Cardinal Lev Skrbenský, then Archbishop of Prague.

What does the church look like?

The design came from architect Jiří Jírovec, who gave the building a neo-Gothic form. It is a brick, single-nave structure measuring 27 metres in length and 11 metres in width — modest proportions that reflect its origin as a local parish chapel rather than a major city church.

What is inside?

The marble main altar was commissioned in spring 1906 from the stonemason K. Hejrejta and features paintings of the church's two patron saints, Martin and Procopius. The pulpit was made by the Mudroch firm, and the stained-glass windows, framed with a decorative colored border, were designed by Josef Šašek. The bells were cast by the Plzeň bell-founder Robert Perner: a larger, 104-kilogram bell named Procopius and a smaller one named Mary. Both were blessed on 18 July 1906, ahead of the church's full consecration.

How did the church survive the Second World War?

The building suffered damage during Allied air raids on Plzeň. On 17 October 1944, the roof was damaged and windows were shattered. Further damage followed an air raid on 17 April 1945 aimed at Plzeň's railway junction. After the war the church was quickly cleaned up and given provisional repairs — the roof was patched through volunteer labour, while the windows were only reglazed in October and November 1949, paid for by the city.

What is the church's role today?

Since 1 January 1993, the Plzeň-Lobzy parish has been administered by the Salesians of Don Bosco, who also run the youth centre next to the church. A comprehensive renovation of the roof, ceiling and tower took place between 1993 and 1997, and a parish hall was added to the building in 1994–1995. Earlier repairs included work on the façade in 1971 and on the interior in 1973.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church in Lobzy built? Construction ran from 1904 to 1906, with the actual building work carried out between spring and summer 1905.

Who consecrated the church? It was consecrated on 7 October 1906 by Cardinal Lev Skrbenský, the Archbishop of Prague at the time.

Who designed the building? The architect was Jiří Jírovec, who gave the church its neo-Gothic style.

Is the church still an active parish? Yes. Since 1993 it has been run by the Salesians of Don Bosco, who also operate the adjoining youth centre.

Where exactly is the church located? In the Lobzy district of Plzeň, at coordinates 49.741, 13.4094.