Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary stands in the village of Tasovice, in the Znojmo District of South Moravia, Czech Republic. Set right in the village centre, its tall tower has served for over a century as a landmark visible for miles across the surrounding countryside.

What is the history behind the church?

The parish of Tasovice was first recorded in 1234, and for more than five centuries — until 1784 — it remained under the patronage of the canonry in nearby Louka. The present building is early Baroque, dating from the second half of the 17th century; the year 1670 is carved into a window of the bell tower, marking its construction period. During the Baroque era the church functioned as a Marian pilgrimage site, with the main celebrations held every August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In 1900 the tower was raised to its current height of 56 metres, giving the church the silhouette that still dominates the village skyline today.

What can visitors see inside?

The centrepiece of the interior is the main altar painting by Matthias Adolf Charlemont, depicting the Assumption scene that gives the church its name. The building itself blends the plain, functional lines typical of rural parish architecture with early Baroque detailing, most visible in the slender, tall tower that draws the eye from a distance long before the rest of the church comes into view.

What have archaeologists found around the church?

Excavations around the building uncovered several dozen graves dated to the 13th century, along with the foundations of the bell tower belonging to an earlier, medieval church that once stood on the same site. These finds show that the location was a place of worship well before the current Baroque structure was built, extending the site's religious history back at least four centuries earlier than the visible architecture would suggest.

How do you get there?

Tasovice sits right next to Znojmo, one of South Moravia's larger towns, known for its castle, underground passages, and surrounding vineyards. The village is easily reached via local roads connecting to the routes leaving Znojmo, and the church itself stands in the middle of the village, making it hard to miss even when just passing through. It makes a natural stop for anyone exploring the Znojmo area who wants to see a lesser-known but genuinely historic monument.

When is the best time to visit?

Daytime hours give the best light on the tower and façade, so a visit is best planned for the morning or early afternoon. Travellers interested in the church's pilgrimage past may want to time a visit around August 15, the feast of the Assumption, which recalls the site's Baroque-era tradition. Outside that date, the church operates as an active parish, so access to the interior generally depends on service times.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church in Tasovice a protected monument? Yes, the building is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

How tall is the church tower? Following the 1900 reconstruction, the tower reaches a height of 56 metres.

Can visitors go inside the church? The church is an active parish building, so the interior is typically accessible during services or by arrangement with the parish.

What did archaeologists discover near the church? Excavations revealed 13th-century graves and the foundations of the bell tower of an earlier medieval church that previously stood on the site.