Church of Saints Peter and Paul

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a Baroque parish church standing on náměstí Míru (Peace Square) in Batelov, in the Jihlava district of the Vysočina Region in the Czech Republic. The building has been protected as a cultural monument since 1972.

When was the church in Batelov built?

The current Baroque structure was commissioned by Baron Jan Kryštof de Klee, who began construction in 1755. The work was finished by his son František Ludvík in 1760. Historians believe this building replaced an earlier, much simpler single-nave church with a tower, dating back to the mid-14th century — meaning a place of worship has likely stood on this exact spot since medieval times, even though nothing from that earlier structure survives today.

How did the church change during the 19th century?

The building underwent further alterations over the following decades. In 1836 it received a Classicist-style renovation, during which a new three-flight staircase was added at the entrance. A more extensive reconstruction followed in 1874–1875, carried out with significant support from the local parish priest, František Vondráška, who was closely involved in organizing and overseeing the works.

What features stand out inside and outside the church?

In the 1880s, six statues of saints were added along the staircase: Peter, Paul, Cyril, Methodius, John the Baptist, and John of Nepomuk. This set of sculptures remains one of the most recognizable exterior features of the church today.

Most of the interior furnishings date from the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The church organ is also worth noting — it was built in 1839 by František Svítil, an organ builder from Nové Město na Moravě whose instruments can be found in several other churches across the Vysočina Region.

What role does the church play today?

The building continues to serve as the parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Batelov, meaning it functions as an active place of worship rather than a purely historical landmark. Standing on the town's main square, it acts as a natural point of reference for anyone visiting Batelov.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Batelov located? It stands on náměstí Míru, the main square of Batelov, in the Jihlava district of the Vysočina Region, Czech Republic.

Who built the current church? Construction was started in 1755 by Baron Jan Kryštof de Klee and completed by his son František Ludvík in 1760.

Did an earlier church stand on the same site? Very likely — the Baroque church is believed to have replaced a simpler single-nave building with a tower from the mid-14th century.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a cultural monument since 1972.

What can be seen on the staircase leading to the church? Six statues of saints added in the 1880s: Peter, Paul, Cyril, Methodius, John the Baptist, and John of Nepomuk.

When was the organ built? The organ was built in 1839 by František Svítil from Nové Město na Moravě.