Church of Saints Philip and James in Zlín

The Church of Saints Philip and James in Zlín is the oldest parish church in the city, standing right at the heart of Zlín in the Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Rebuilt several times over the centuries and twice ravaged by fire, it remains the main place of worship for the local Roman Catholic parish today.

How old is the church?

The original building dates back to the late medieval period, with construction placed between 1390 and 1420. Over the following centuries the church underwent numerous alterations, reflecting the changing needs of a growing parish community.

Why was the church reoriented?

One of the most significant changes in the church's history took place in the early 19th century. The building had originally faced east, but its limited capacity and the impossibility of extending it further in that direction led to a decision to reorient the church toward the south instead. Remarkably, the tower stayed in its original position even as the rest of the structure was reorganized around it — an unusual architectural solution still visible in the church's layout today.

What disasters has the building survived?

The church was struck by two devastating fires, in 1819 and 1849. On both occasions, the entire roof was destroyed by flames, and the tower also sustained damage. Rebuilding after each fire required substantial effort and left a lasting mark on the church's present-day appearance.

Where do the current bells come from?

The story of the church bells is tied to the turbulent history of the early 20th century. The original bells were confiscated during the First World War, melted down for wartime military purposes, as happened to countless church bells across Europe at the time. It was only in 1920, in the newly independent Czechoslovakia, that two new steel bells were cast at the Vítkovice ironworks. They were named Philip and James, and Virgin Mary, honoring the church's patron saints. Their purchase was funded through a collection among parishioners, with a significant contribution from Tomáš Baťa, the industrialist and founder of the famous shoe company closely tied to the city of Zlín.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church stands in the center of Zlín, in the Zlín Region of Moravia, at coordinates 49.2248, 17.6682. Its central position makes it a natural landmark for visitors exploring the historic core of a city otherwise best known for the 20th-century industrial architecture built by the Baťa family.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Church of Saints Philip and James in Zlín built? The original structure dates from 1390–1420, though it has been rebuilt multiple times since.

Why does the tower not align with the rest of the church's orientation? During an early 19th-century reconstruction, the church was reoriented from east-facing to south-facing due to insufficient capacity, but the tower remained in its original location.

How many times has the church burned down? The church suffered two major fires, in 1819 and 1849, losing its entire roof both times.

Who paid for the church's current bells? The bells cast in 1920 in Vítkovice were funded by a parish collection and a donation from Tomáš Baťa.

What is the church used for today? It remains an active parish church of the Roman Catholic parish of Saints Philip and James in Zlín.