Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross stands on the eastern side of Husova Square in Sezimovo Ústí, a small town in the Czech Republic on the Lužnice River. It is a modest, single-nave building in the late Empire style that has shaped the skyline of the local square for nearly two centuries.

What is the history behind the church?

The construction was funded by Terezie Rýglová, a townswoman from nearby Tábor, whose donation allowed the town to erect a new church between 1837 and 1838. The interior received its painted decoration in the autumn of 1840, carried out by the painter Šubrt, who was reportedly paid for his work with 25 sacks of potatoes — an unusual arrangement even by the standards of the time. The church was formally consecrated on 23 May 1841. Since 1958 it has been listed among the region's protected cultural monuments, a status that confirms its historical and architectural value.

What can you see inside and outside?

The building has a single nave covered by a barrel vault, with a rectangular chancel closing the structure to the east. A tower rises above the western gable of the nave, visible from a distance and acting as a clear landmark on the square. A cross stands in front of the entrance, a typical feature accompanying Czech town and village churches of this period. Although modest in scale, the building keeps the clean proportions typical of late Classicist architecture, favoring restrained decoration and a steady rhythm of windows over ornamentation.

How do you get to the church?

The church sits directly on Husova Square, in the central part of Sezimovo Ústí — a town right next to Tábor, with which it effectively forms a single urban area connected by shared public transport. The easiest way to arrive is by train or bus to Sezimovo Ústí, followed by a short walk of just a few minutes, since Husova Square lies at the very heart of the town. Drivers will find parking spaces available near the square.

When is the best time to visit?

Since the church still serves as a working parish building, visiting it is easiest around service times or during public events such as the nationwide "Noc kostelů" (Night of Churches), when the building is sometimes opened to visitors along with a short presentation of its history. Outside these occasions, the exterior alone is worth the stop — the church's silhouette and the surrounding square make an impression at any time of year, and the calm atmosphere of the small town invites a longer stroll through the area.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Sezimovo Ústí lies right next to historic Tábor, known for its Hussite past and picturesque old town, making the area a convenient base for a longer visit to South Bohemia. Husova Square itself, where the church stands, functions as the natural heart of the town, so it's worth combining a visit to the church with a walk through the neighboring streets.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Sezimovo Ústí built? Construction took place between 1837 and 1838, and the church was formally consecrated on 23 May 1841.

Who paid for the church's construction? The funds came from a donation by Terezie Rýglová, a townswoman from Tábor.

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

Where exactly is the church located? On the eastern side of Husova Square, in the center of Sezimovo Ústí, near Tábor.