Church of the Assumption

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Stálky is a small parish church in a village that sits directly on the border between the Czech Republic and Austria, in the Znojmo district of the South Moravian Region. The building is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic (registry number 20244/7-6736, NPÚ monument catalogue no. 1000131062), belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brno, and serves as the main landmark of a village with barely over a hundred residents.

How do you get to the church in Stálky?

Stálky lies about 27 km west of Znojmo and less than 11 km from Vranov nad Dyjí, which makes the latter the most convenient starting point by car or local bus. Because the village borders Austria directly, many visitors arrive along hiking routes toward Heinrichsreith or Wolfsbach — since the Czech Republic joined the Schengen Area, the border here can be crossed on foot or by bike without checks. The church stands right in the centre of the village, on the main road, so it is impossible to miss.

What else is there to see around the church?

Opposite the entrance stands a stone statue of St. John of Nepomuk, a feature typical of many South Moravian villages and, alongside the church itself, the second obligatory stop on a short walk through Stálky. The building functions as an active parish church under the Diocese of Brno, and its compact form with a tower is characteristic of rural churches across this part of Moravia.

What is the history behind the village?

The first written record of the settlement dates back to 1312, when it was known under earlier names, Křtálek and Stalky, before settling on the current form, Stálky. The village sits at an elevation of 435 metres above sea level and covers an area of 12.10 square kilometres; administratively it falls under the municipal office of Vranov nad Dyjí. The clergyman and politician Adrian Zach (1845–1916) also came from this area, a detail local guides sometimes mention.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the border location and the network of hiking trails connecting Stálky to the Austrian side, spring and summer are the best seasons to visit, when the border crossings are in active use and the surrounding countryside invites longer walks combining a look at the church with a hike along the frontier. In winter, some crossings see less traffic, but the church and the roadside statue remain accessible year-round.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the church in Stálky? The church is an active parish building under the Diocese of Brno, so access to the interior depends on service times and local parish arrangements — it is worth checking locally or with the Vranov nad Dyjí municipal office.

How big is the village of Stálky? As of 2025, the village has 111 residents and covers 12.10 square kilometres, making it one of the smaller settlements in the Znojmo district.

Does Stálky border Austria? Yes, the village sits directly on the Austrian border, and since the Czech Republic joined the Schengen Area, visitors can cross freely on foot along trails such as those toward Heinrichsreith or Wolfsbach.

What else is worth seeing besides the church? Right next to the church stands a statue of St. John of Nepomuk, and the village itself makes a good base for hikes along the Czech-Austrian border near Vranov nad Dyjí.