Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Beroun is a modest baroque church standing near the town's former gate, one of the oldest surviving sacred buildings in this central Bohemian town. Despite its small size, it carries several centuries of history and is protected as a Czech cultural monument.

When was the church built?

The first structure on this site dates back to 1525, originally built in Gothic style just outside the town walls of Beroun. Because of this location, locals still refer to it as the "Zábranský church" - literally, the church behind the gate. A wooden bell tower was added in 1566.

The building suffered serious damage during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). It wasn't rebuilt until 1738-1744, when it received the baroque appearance it still has today. Further repairs followed in the 19th century and again in the 1970s.

Who has looked after the church over the centuries?

From 1773, when the Piarist order arrived in Beroun, its members took over pastoral care of the church - a role they held until 1870, when the order left the town. Administratively, the building remains a branch church of the Roman Catholic parish in Beroun, though in the 21st century it is also used by the Czech Orthodox Church for its services.

What can visitors see inside?

The main altar was created by the Prague-based sculptor František Ferdinand Ublacker. The church also holds paintings of Saint Martin and Saint Vojtěch (Adalbert), attributed to the Prague painter František Barbieri. The overall style reflects the restrained, functional character typical of central Bohemian baroque parish architecture rather than lavish ornamentation.

Where exactly is the church located?

The building stands in the historic center of Beroun, in the part of town known as Beroun-Město, in the Central Bohemian Region. Its position next to the former town gate is the source of the popular nickname "Zábranský kostel" - the church that once guarded the approach to the fortified town.

Is the church a protected monument?

Yes. It is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic, reflecting its historical and architectural significance for the region.

Frequently asked questions

What is the church called in Czech? Kostel Zvěstování Panny Marie, also commonly known as "kostel Zábranský."

How old is the church? The original building dates to 1525, though its current baroque form comes from a reconstruction carried out between 1738 and 1744.

Who uses the church today? It formally belongs to the Roman Catholic parish in Beroun as a branch church, but it is also used by the Czech Orthodox Church for services.

Why is it nicknamed the "Zábranský church"? Because it stands just outside where the town's defensive gate once stood, on the far side of the old walls.

Can visitors go inside? Available sources don't specify opening hours or visiting conditions, so it's worth checking locally or with the Beroun tourist information center before visiting.