Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Unhošť

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is the oldest monument in Unhošť and the visual landmark that dominates this small town in the Kladno District of the Central Bohemian Region. Its Baroque silhouette, topped by a tall tower, is visible from a distance and has anchored local life for centuries.

How to get there?

Unhošť sits in the Kladno District, only a short drive west of Prague, which makes the church an easy addition to a day trip from the Czech capital. The building stands right in the town centre, so the main square is the best point of reference — the tower is visible from almost anywhere nearby. Drivers can park close to the centre and reach the church on foot within a few minutes.

What will you see?

The site's history reaches far beyond its current Baroque appearance. In the second half of the 13th century, a wooden chapel on this spot was replaced by a single-nave Romanesque-Gothic church built from opuka stone. The church known from written records took shape in the first quarter of the 14th century, and the earliest documented mention dates back to 1329 — making it the oldest surviving monument in Unhošť.

Turbulent centuries left a clear mark on the building. During the Thirty Years' War, the church was looted twice in 1639, first by Swedish troops and then by Imperial forces. That difficult period disrupted much of its original medieval character.

The church owes its current Baroque form to a thorough reconstruction carried out at the beginning of the 18th century. The nave was extended, the presbytery was re-vaulted, and a bell tower together with a small sanctus turret were added to the roof. Today the well-preserved, single-nave structure ends in a three-sided presbytery adjoined by a 42.5-metre tower — the most recognisable feature of Unhošť's skyline, visible from the surrounding hills and access roads.

While visiting, it's worth noticing the contrast between the church's Gothic origins and the Baroque décor applied in the 18th century — this layering of periods is visible throughout, from the shape of the presbytery to the architectural details of the tower.

When to visit?

The church is best seen as part of a walk through Unhošť's town centre, and it works well in any season — the building and tower look striking on sunny days, when the facade details stand out, as well as on overcast afternoons, when the tower's outline is sharply defined against the sky. Since this is an active parish church, it's worth timing a visit so it doesn't overlap with services.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul the oldest monument in Unhošť? Yes, the earliest written mention of the church dates from 1329, making it the oldest documented monument in the town.

What architectural style does the building represent? The church has Gothic roots going back to the 13th and 14th centuries, but it owes its present appearance to a Baroque reconstruction carried out in the early 18th century.

What happened to the church during the Thirty Years' War? In 1639 it was looted twice, first by Swedish troops and then by Imperial forces, which seriously damaged its original fabric.

How tall is the church tower? The tower adjoining the three-sided presbytery is 42.5 metres tall and stands out as the dominant feature of Unhošť's skyline.