Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Rajhrad)

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Rajhrad forms the heart of one of the oldest monastic complexes in Moravia. The church stands in the town of Rajhrad, in the Brno-venkov District of the South Moravian Region, and together with the adjoining Benedictine abbey it forms a complex protected as a cultural monument.

How old is the monastery in Rajhrad?

Tradition traces the origins of the local provostry to 1045, when it is said to have been founded by Duke Břetislav I on the site of an older Slavic stronghold. An earlier Romanesque, three-aisled basilica already stood on the spot in the Middle Ages — the first written mention of it dates back to 1247. The later Baroque church visitors see today was built directly on the foundations of that older basilica.

Who designed the current Baroque church?

The church's present form dates from a Baroque rebuilding carried out between 1722 and 1730. The design came from Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, one of the most distinctive architects of Czech Baroque, known for blending Baroque forms with Gothic elements into his own recognizable style. Rajhrad today forms one of the stops on a tourist trail dedicated to Santini's work, which links his major buildings across Moravia and Bohemia.

How large is the church, and what does the interior hold?

The building's scale is striking: the whole church measures 79.5 metres in length, with the main nave alone reaching 40 metres, while the vaults rise to as much as 30 metres in height. The nave's width varies between 9.5 and 16.5 metres, giving the interior a monumental yet varied character. The decoration includes rich sculptural work, paintings and frescoes. The high altar draws particular attention: it holds a sculpture of Jesus Christ carved from 45 different types of marble, sourced from across Europe and, in part, from the Mount of Olives in the Holy Land.

Why is the monastery complex in Rajhrad worth visiting?

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is not a standalone building but an integral part of the larger Benedictine abbey complex in Rajhrad. The whole site — monastery and church together — is protected as a cultural monument, reflecting its historical and architectural significance for the South Moravian region. The combination of the site's medieval origins with its Baroque rebuilding in Santini's style makes Rajhrad a particularly interesting stop for anyone interested in sacred architecture and monastic history in Moravia.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church in Rajhrad part of the Benedictine monastery? Yes, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul is an integral part of the Benedictine abbey complex in Rajhrad.

Who designed the current building? The Baroque church built between 1722 and 1730 was designed by architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel.

Did an earlier church stand on this site? Yes, the current church was built on the site of an earlier Romanesque three-aisled basilica, first mentioned in written sources in 1247, while tradition links the founding of the local provostry to 1045 and Duke Břetislav I.

How large is the church? The whole building is 79.5 metres long, its main nave measures 40 metres, and the vaults reach up to 30 metres in height.

What stands out inside the church? Rich sculptural and painted decoration, along with the high altar featuring a sculpture of Jesus Christ carved from 45 types of marble, including stone from the Mount of Olives.

Is the monastery complex legally protected? Yes, the entire complex — monastery and church — holds the status of a protected cultural monument.