Church of Saints Peter and Paul (Želechovice nad Dřevnicí)

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is a modest single-nave church standing in Želechovice nad Dřevnicí, in the Zlín District of the Zlín Region. Despite its unassuming size, the building carries more than six centuries of history and is listed as a protected cultural monument.

Where does the church come from?

The oldest parts of the structure date back to the late 14th century, when a Gothic church first stood on this spot. The present building occupies the exact same site as that medieval predecessor, and several surviving architectural fragments still hint at its older origins. The church's real transformation came in 1737, during a Baroque reconstruction: the nave was most likely vaulted at this time, and a presbytery was added to the building. It is this Baroque character that still defines the church's appearance today.

The parish itself had a far bumpier history than the building. In the 16th century, the local parish came under non-Catholic administration, and by around 1620 it had effectively ceased to exist as an independent unit. For decades afterward, the area was administered alternately from the parishes of Vizovice and Zlín. Only in 1756 was a local expositura established here, followed by a chaplaincy in 1785, and it wasn't until 1843 that Želechovice nad Dřevnicí finally became a full parish in its own right.

What can visitors see inside?

The interior is surprisingly rich for such a small building. The main altar is decorated with a painting depicting the church's patrons, Saints Peter and Paul. Along the walls hang the Stations of the Cross from 1856, painted by the Zlín-based artist František Zedník. The ceiling, meanwhile, is covered with paintings of saints and evangelists created by academic painter František Šenar. These decorative elements give the interior a warm, sacred atmosphere that contrasts with the otherwise plain, single-nave architecture of the building.

How to get there?

The church stands in the center of Želechovice nad Dřevnicí, a small village located just outside Zlín, one of the larger cities in Moravia. This makes it easy to combine a visit here with sightseeing in Zlín itself, since the drive or local transport connection is short. The surrounding countryside is distinctly rural, with open views over the Dřevnice river valley, making it a pleasant destination for a relaxed afternoon outing.

When is the best time to visit?

The easiest way to see the church is during the annual Night of Churches event, when churches across the Czech Republic open their doors to visitors outside regular service hours. It's a good opportunity to explore the interior without being limited to Mass times. Outside of that event, it's worth checking the local parish's Mass schedule in advance, since as an active parish church it isn't generally open to visitors throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the church in Želechovice nad Dřevnicí? The oldest parts of the building date to the late 14th century, when a Gothic church stood here. Its current Baroque appearance comes from a reconstruction carried out in 1737.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul is listed as a protected cultural monument.

What can be seen inside the church? Inside, visitors can see an altar painting depicting Saints Peter and Paul, the 1856 Stations of the Cross by František Zedník, and ceiling paintings of saints and evangelists by František Šenar.

Is the church still an active parish? Yes. Although the parish disappeared and was re-established several times over the centuries, Želechovice nad Dřevnicí has had its own active parish since it was formally established in 1843.