Church of Saints Philip and James in Žirovnice

The Church of Saints Philip and James is a Neo-Gothic parish church standing on the main square in Žirovnice, a small town in the Vysočina region of the Czech Republic, right next to the local castle. It is the town's most recognizable religious building, its slender brick silhouette visible from a distance thanks to its Gothic-inspired form.

How far back does the church's history go?

A church has stood on this spot far longer than the current building has existed. The first written mention dates to 1384, when it was already recorded under the dedication to the apostles Philip and James. The original Gothic church was built around the same time as the neighboring castle. It burned down during the Thirty Years' War and was not rebuilt until 1713, when it was given a Baroque appearance. That Baroque form lasted for more than a century and a half before the townspeople decided to replace it entirely.

When was the current church built, and who designed it?

The decision to build a new church was made in 1868, and construction was completed in 1871. The design came from Prague architect Václav Schánbeck, while the building work itself was carried out by master builders Štěpán Walser and Jan Josef Hrab. The new church was raised in a pseudo-Gothic style, echoing medieval forms while being built with fully 19th-century construction methods. At the time of completion, Žirovnice had around 300 houses and 2,257 inhabitants, who made their living mainly from weaving, cloth-making, and agriculture — the new church was a project scaled to match the ambitions of the town at the time.

What can visitors see inside?

The main altar is decorated with a painting of Saints Philip and James by Karel Škréta, one of the most important Czech Baroque painters. The nave walls display Stations of the Cross paintings by J. Khittl of Strmílov. In front of the west façade, facing the street, stands an entrance gate flanked symmetrically by two statues of saints — the first thing a visitor sees on approaching the church.

Why pair a visit with Žirovnice Castle?

The church stands on the main square directly beside Žirovnice Castle, originally a 13th-century Gothic fortress later rebuilt in Renaissance style. Today the castle houses a municipal museum with a permanent exhibition of 15th-century Gothic wall frescoes. Because the two buildings sit side by side, a walk through Žirovnice can easily combine the town's religious architecture with its secular history in a single short route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Church of Saints Philip and James located? On the main square in Žirovnice, in the Vysočina region, directly next to Žirovnice Castle.

When was the current church built? Construction ran from 1868 to 1871, based on a design by architect Václav Schánbeck.

Did an earlier church stand on this site? Yes. The first Gothic church was already mentioned in 1384; it burned down during the Thirty Years' War and was rebuilt in Baroque style in 1713, before being replaced by today's Neo-Gothic building in the 19th century.

What painting decorates the main altar? A painting of Saints Philip and James by Karel Škréta, a leading Czech Baroque painter.

Is it worth combining a visit with other sights in Žirovnice? Yes — Žirovnice Castle, with its municipal museum and 15th-century Gothic frescoes, stands right next to the church, making it easy to see both on one walk.