Church of Saints Simon and Jude

The Church of Saints Simon and Jude stands at the heart of the village of Lipová, in the Šluknov Hook — the northernmost tip of the Czech Republic, wedged between Germany and Saxony, not far from Rumburk. This Baroque church has served for decades as a deanery church and remains one of the most significant historical monuments in this remote border region.

When was the church in Lipová built?

Construction of the present church dates to 1691–1695. It was founded by Maria Margaretha, Countess Slavata, the last member of her noble line — her coat of arms, carved in sandstone and held up by two bears, still decorates the church façade beneath its distinctive volute gable. The building was designed and built by architect Balthasar Hille. In 1926 the church was elevated to the status of a deanery church, and in 1958 it was declared a Czech cultural monument.

What does the church look like architecturally?

The building follows a single-nave layout on a Latin cross plan, closed off by a three-sided presbytery. A 27-meter tower adjoins the main body of the church. The whole structure is 40 meters long, the nave is 10 meters wide, and the walls rise to a height of 8 meters — proportions typical of rural Baroque churches of the period, though on a scale that is notably ambitious for such a small village. It is precisely this scale, combined with the careful architectural detailing, that makes the church stand out among the surrounding buildings of the Šluknov Hook.

What is hidden inside the tower?

The tower still holds a bell cast in 1512 — considerably older than the Baroque church itself. Its survival indicates that an earlier church once stood on this site, and that the bell was preserved and incorporated into the new building when it was constructed nearly two centuries later. For visitors, this is one of the most striking details of the site's history: a tangible link to a place of worship that predates the current structure by close to 180 years.

Does the church still play a cultural role today?

Yes. Following restoration work, the church has become an important cultural venue for the village of Lipová. Concerts — mostly of classical music — are held there regularly, drawing not only visitors interested in sacred architecture but also music lovers from across the wider region. The church remains the property of the Roman Catholic Parish–Deanery of Lipová, which maintains the building and makes it available both for liturgical use and for cultural events.

Why visit Lipová while exploring the Šluknov Hook?

The Šluknov Hook is a region rarely visited by tourists from outside the Czech Republic, despite its proximity to Germany, Saxony, and Czech Switzerland. The church in Lipová is one of the clearest signs that this border area carries a rich religious and architectural history — a Baroque sanctuary founded by the last member of the Slavata family is tangible proof of that. It makes a worthwhile stop for anyone travelling between Rumburk and the surrounding highland villages in search of lesser-known but historically grounded sights.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Church of Saints Simon and Jude in Lipová built? Between 1691 and 1695, founded by Maria Margaretha, Countess Slavata.

Who designed the church? The architect Balthasar Hille.

Is there anything in the church older than the building itself? Yes — the tower holds a bell cast in 1512, predating the current Baroque structure.

Since when has the church been a protected cultural monument? Since 1958.

Are events held at the church today? Yes, following restoration the church regularly hosts concerts, mainly of classical music.