Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary (Pardubice)

The Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary in Pardubice is the oldest church in the city, standing on Klášterní street, which links Pernštýnské Square with Komenský Square. This Gothic parish church was founded around 1359 by Archbishop Arnošt of Pardubice and his brothers — the very figure after whom the city takes its name, and one of the most significant personalities in the region's history.

What has the church been through?

The building's history is closely tied to the turbulent past of Pardubice. A fire in 1507 severely damaged the structure, and the chancel was subsequently rebuilt in the Late Gothic style in 1515, on the order of William of Pernštejn, a member of one of the most powerful Bohemian noble families of the era. A second fire struck the church in 1538, though its effects were less devastating than the first. The most difficult episode came in October 1645, when Swedish troops under General Torstenson laid siege to Pardubice — the fighting and shelling set the church ablaze once again.

Why does it stand out?

Despite repeated destruction, the church has survived to this day as a testament to the medieval and early modern history of Pardubice. Its Gothic origins, dating back to the mid-14th century, make it the oldest surviving religious building in the city — older than the grand Pernštejn castle or the Renaissance buildings around the main square, which took shape only in later centuries. Owing to its historical and architectural value, the church has been protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1958.

Where exactly is it located?

The church sits in the historic centre of Pardubice, along the route connecting two of the city's key squares — Pernštýnské náměstí, the heart of the old town, and náměstí Komenského. This location makes it easy to include the church in a walk through Pardubice's historic quarter without any detour.

How do you get to Pardubice?

Pardubice lies in eastern Bohemia, roughly 100 kilometres east of Prague, and is well connected by rail as a major stop on the line from Prague towards Olomouc and Ostrava. The train journey from Prague usually takes just over an hour, making Pardubice a convenient day-trip destination. From the railway station, the church and the surrounding old town are best reached on foot or by local public transport.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the church in Pardubice? It was founded around 1359 by Archbishop Arnošt of Pardubice together with his brothers.

Why is it considered the oldest church in the city? Its Gothic origins date back to the mid-14th century, making it older than any other surviving historic building in Pardubice.

What damage has the church suffered over the centuries? The church burned three times — in 1507, 1538 and 1645 — with the last fire caused by the Swedish siege of the city.

Who ordered the reconstruction of the chancel after the 1507 fire? William of Pernštejn ordered its Late Gothic reconstruction, completed in 1515.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1958.