Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Brodek u Prostějova

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross stands on the main square of Brodek u Prostějova, a small town in the Olomouc Region of Moravia. The Baroque building is the town's defining landmark and one of the few significant sacred monuments in this part of the region, easily reached on foot from anywhere in the town centre.

How old is the church in Brodek u Prostějova?

The earliest written record of a church in Brodek dates back to 1599, though the site is believed to have had an older foundation. The building's current Baroque form was completed in the first quarter of the 18th century: construction and interior furnishing were finished in 1726, while the consecration itself took place earlier, on 4 November 1721. The church owes its present appearance to the noble Kleinburg family, a fact recorded on a commemorative plaque above the entrance.

Why does Brodek u Prostějova have its own parish?

For a long time, Brodek had no independent spiritual administration and belonged to the parish in nearby Otaslavice. That changed in 1785, when Emperor Joseph II passed through the town. Local representatives seized the opportunity to petition him directly for a parish of their own — a request that was granted. From that point on, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross became the seat of an independent parish rather than a branch of a neighbouring one.

What is inside the church?

The interior of the Baroque church is notable for its brightness, with light spreading evenly across the space and highlighting the clarity of its architectural composition. The visual and spiritual focal point is the image of the crucified Christ above the main altar — a direct reference to the church's dedication to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church occupies the central position on the main square of Brodek u Prostějova, making it a natural landmark for anyone exploring the town. Its coordinates are 49.370103, 17.090546. Because it sits right at the heart of the town, the church is visible from nearly every point on the square, and finding it requires no extra planning — simply head for the main square.

Frequently asked questions

What is the church in Brodek u Prostějova called? Its full name is the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Czech: kostel Povýšení svatého Kříže).

In what architectural style was the church built? It is a Baroque building, with its present form dating from the first quarter of the 18th century.

When was the church consecrated? It was consecrated on 4 November 1721, while construction and furnishing works continued until 1726.

Did Brodek u Prostějova always have its own parish? No — the town originally belonged to the parish in Otaslavice. It gained its own spiritual administration in 1785, after residents petitioned Emperor Joseph II during his visit to the town.

Where exactly is the church located? On the main square in the centre of Brodek u Prostějova, in the Olomouc Region, at coordinates 49.370103, 17.090546.