Church of the Assumption

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a baroque parish church standing on the main square of Holešov, a town in the Zlín Region of Moravia. Although the building visitors see today dates from the early 18th century, the site's history stretches back to the Middle Ages.

How old is the church?

A Gothic church already stood on Holešov's square as early as the 14th century, together with a rectory and a walled parish cemetery. This earlier building served the town for several centuries before it was eventually replaced.

Toward the end of the 17th century, under the patronage of the noble Rottal family — owners of Holešov castle and its surrounding estate — construction of an entirely new church began on the same spot. The design came from Italian architect Filiberto Lucchese, whose work shaped several baroque religious buildings across the Habsburg lands. Construction took over a decade, and the church reached its present form in 1708.

The formal consecration, however, did not take place until decades later: on 26 July 1735, the ceremony was led by the auxiliary bishop of Olomouc, Count of Egkh und Hungersbach.

What is the Black Chapel?

An integral part of the church complex is the so-called Black Chapel (Černá kaple), the burial vault of the Rottal family and the related Vrbna family. It was built during the 1740s and completed in 1748, when it was consecrated by Bishop Troyer in the same year. The chapel stands out for its rich, artistically significant sculptural decoration, which remains one of the most valuable features of the entire complex today.

What can you see inside?

The church is a baroque, three-nave building dating from the first half of the 18th century, built around the medieval core of the original structure. This architectural layering — Gothic origins hidden beneath a baroque shell — makes the site particularly interesting for anyone curious about the development of sacred architecture in Moravia. The most valuable element of the interior remains the Black Chapel, with its sculptural decoration marking the burial place of the Rottal and Vrbna families.

How do you get there?

The church stands directly on Holešov's main square, in the heart of town, making it easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the historic center. Its coordinates are 49.3317686, 17.5793603. Because of its central location, a visit can easily be combined with a stop at the nearby Rottal family castle and a walk through the rest of the old town.

When should you visit?

As an active parish church, it is generally open during services and at designated visiting hours — it's worth checking current opening times locally or with the tourist information center, since these can vary by season. The church also takes part in the nationwide Night of Churches event, when visiting hours are typically extended and the interior opens to a wider public with additional activities.

Frequently asked questions

Who built the current church in Holešov? Construction of today's baroque church was initiated by the Rottal family, then owners of Holešov castle and its estate, with a design by Italian architect Filiberto Lucchese. The building was completed in 1708.

What is the Black Chapel? It is the burial vault of the Rottal and Vrbna families, added to the church in the 1740s and finished in 1748. It is known for its rich sculptural decoration.

Is there an older church hidden beneath the baroque facade? Yes — the current building replaced a Gothic church already documented in the 14th century, and its medieval core survives within the present structure.

Where exactly is the church located? It stands on the main square in the center of Holešov, an easily walkable location for anyone visiting the town.