Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Horšovský Týn

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul stands right in the middle of the main square (náměstí Republiky) in Horšovský Týn, on the northern bank of the Radbuza river. It is one of the oldest buildings in town, most likely dating back to the second half of the 13th century — around the same time the nearby bishop's castle was built, shortly after the town itself was founded in the 1280s. As early as 1283 the church was fortified, a sign of how central it was to the town's life, both spiritually and defensively.

How has the church changed over the centuries?

The original early Gothic structure did not survive unaltered. In the 15th century the church was rebuilt in the late Gothic style, giving it a slimmer, more decorative form. Far more dramatic changes came from fire. A blaze that swept through the town in 1547, during the Renaissance reconstruction of the castle, badly damaged the church as well. History repeated itself in 1708, when another town fire caused the vault of the main nave to collapse. It was the reconstruction that followed this second disaster that gave the church the appearance it has today — a unified, representative Baroque design.

What can visitors see inside?

Much of the church's interior dates from the Baroque rebuilding after 1708. Its furnishings survive largely intact, including an organ with a distinctive three-part case typical of the period. The paintings on the main altar and the side altars mostly came from the workshop of Melchior Dietrich, a respected Baroque master from Cheb who was active across western Bohemia. The church also holds the tomb of Jan of Lobkowicz, the first member of the Lobkowicz family to rule Horšovský Týn.

Can you climb the church tower?

Yes, and it's one of the main draws for visitors. The tower rises 38 metres, reached by climbing 98 steps. From the top, there's a view over Horšovský Týn and the surrounding countryside, including the wooded hills of the Český les and the foothills of the Šumava region. It's a convenient way to see the town and its main square from above without having to leave the historic centre.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church stands in the Město district, right in the heart of Horšovský Týn, on the main square (náměstí Republiky), close to the bishop's castle with which it shares its origin story. Its tower is visible from most of the surrounding streets, making it a natural landmark for anyone exploring the old town on foot.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Church of Saints Peter and Paul built? Most likely in the second half of the 13th century, around the same time as the bishop's castle, shortly after the town was founded.

Why does a Gothic church look Baroque today? Because a 1708 town fire caused the main nave's vault to collapse, and the rebuilding that followed gave the church its current Baroque appearance.

Can visitors climb the tower? Yes — after climbing 98 steps to a height of 38 metres, visitors get a view over the town and surrounding landscape.

Who is buried in the church? Jan of Lobkowicz, the first member of the Lobkowicz family to rule Horšovský Týn.

Where exactly does the church stand? In the Město district, on the main square (náměstí Republiky) in the centre of Horšovský Týn, near the bishop's castle.