Church of Saints Simon and Jude

The Church of Saints Simon and Jude stands right in the center of Týnec nad Sázavou, on the grounds of a former cemetery, just south of the town's castle. It's a modest but historically layered building that has served as the local parish church for this Central Bohemian town on the Sázava River for centuries.

What is the history behind the church?

The building's roots go back to the 14th century, when it was constructed as a Gothic parish church. Over the following centuries it was reshaped several times, giving it the mixed architectural character it has today. The biggest changes came in the 18th century: in 1755, a Baroque reconstruction of the presbytery was completed, adding a flat ceiling. The work was funded by Count František Václav of Vrtby and his wife, a sign of how important the church was to the local nobility. A decade later, in 1765, a new stone tower was added on the western side, and it still dominates the building's silhouette today.

Another major renovation followed in 1872, when the reed ceiling of the main nave was removed and replaced with a cross vault, changing the character of the interior and giving it a more solid, monumental feel. Since November 27, 1974, the church has been officially listed as a protected heritage site.

What can you see inside and outside the church?

The church is a single-nave building with a rectangular, rounded presbytery and a square tower attached to the western side of the nave. A sacristy and a small vestibule are located on the north side. The main nave is covered by a cross vault, a result of the 1872 reconstruction, while the presbytery still retains the flat ceiling from the earlier Baroque work.

Its location is worth noting in itself: the church sits on the site of an old cemetery, which explains its quiet, somewhat set-apart position even though it's close to the town center. Right next to the church stands a distinctive two-story burgher's house known as "U Micků," built in Neo-Renaissance style with ornamental cylindrical towers and sgraffito decoration by the painter Karel Ludvík Klusáček. The contrast between the plain, restrained church and the richly decorated house next door is one of the more memorable sights in central Týnec.

How do you get there?

The church is located in the center of Týnec nad Sázavou, a small town on the Sázava River in the Central Bohemian Region, not far from Prague. The easiest ways to get there are by car or by train, as Týnec has its own railway station, with just a short walk from the town center toward the castle to reach the church. Since the church stands right next to the town's castle, both sites are easy to combine into a single visit.

When is the best time to visit?

Because the church is an outdoor heritage site surrounded by open grounds, it's most rewarding to visit in the warmer months, spring or summer, when the surrounding streets and the former cemetery grounds look their most attractive. Pairing the visit with the nearby Týnec castle is a natural way to get a fuller picture of the town's history in a single outing.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the church? The original Gothic church dates back to the 14th century, and its current appearance mostly comes from Baroque reconstructions in 1755 and 1765, plus a 19th-century renovation in 1872.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a protected heritage site since November 27, 1974.

What else is there to see near the church? Right next door you'll find Týnec nad Sázavou castle and the Neo-Renaissance "U Micků" house, decorated with sgraffito by Karel Ludvík Klusáček.

Can you go inside the church? The church is an active parish church, so access to the interior depends on Mass times and local parish arrangements — it's best to check locally or with the tourist information office.