Church of Saints Peter and Paul

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul stands in Prostějov, on Petrské Square, less than 600 metres from the town's main square, at a spot that has marked an important crossroads for centuries. It ranks among the oldest religious buildings in the town and offers a direct link to Prostějov's medieval past.

How do you get there?

The church sits in an easily walkable part of town. From the main square it's a short stroll toward Petrské Square, and the building's position at a historic crossroads meant it long served as a landmark for both residents and travellers passing through.

What is the history behind the church?

Historians estimate the church was founded in the 12th or 13th century, though the earliest written record of it dates only to 1475. The town's oldest cemetery was located next to the building, underlining how central this site was to the local community from an early stage.

The church's importance began to fade toward the end of the 14th century, when Augustinian friars arrived in Prostějov and founded their own monastery, taking over much of the parish's former role. A fire damaged the building in the 15th century, and once the nearby Church of the Holy Cross had been rebuilt, the independent parish of Saints Peter and Paul was abolished in 1588; the church was downgraded to subordinate status.

What changed during the Baroque rebuilding?

The most decisive change in the building's history came with a thorough reconstruction between 1728 and 1730, which gave the church the Baroque appearance it still carries today. During this work a crypt was built beneath the church, used for burials until the Josephine reforms curtailed the practice of interring the dead inside churches.

What should you look out for when visiting?

The bell tower holds the church's most remarkable relic: the oldest bell in Prostějov, cast in 1506 and weighing 300 kilograms. It is a rare survivor of the building's turbulent history, having outlasted fires and repeated changes to the church's administrative status. The modest, well-preserved shape of the building itself is also worth a look, standing in clear contrast to the larger, more ornate churches in the town centre. Petrské Square itself still retains the atmosphere of an older, less touristy corner of Prostějov.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Prostějov? Historians date its founding to the 12th or 13th century, although the earliest documented mention comes from 1475.

Was there a cemetery next to the church? Yes, the oldest cemetery in Prostějov was located right next to the church, reflecting its early importance to the local community.

Why did the church lose its status as an independent parish? After a fire in the 15th century and the rebuilding of the nearby Church of the Holy Cross, the independent parish of Saints Peter and Paul was abolished in 1588 and the church became subordinate.

What is the most valuable feature inside the church? The oldest bell in Prostějov, cast in 1506 and weighing 300 kilograms, still hangs in the church's bell tower.