Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Chotíkov)

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Czech: Kostel Povýšení svatého Kříže) is a historic parish church in Chotíkov, a small village on the northwestern edge of Plzeň in western Bohemia, Czech Republic. Set on rising ground at the heart of the village, it has served as the spiritual anchor of the community for nearly seven centuries.

How old is the church, and what happened to it over the centuries?

The church is first documented in 1352, an early record that shows Chotíkov already had its own parish church at a time when many surrounding villages did not. It kept that independent parish status until around 1435, when it was subordinated to the neighboring parish of Malesice and lost its own administrative standing within the church structure for a long stretch of its history. In the centuries that followed, the building fell into such disrepair that at one point it was reportedly at risk of collapse — a detail preserved in local historical records. The structure was eventually rebuilt into the form visitors see today: its current Classicist appearance dates from 1834. An independent parish was re-established in Chotíkov in 1906, restoring full pastoral service to the village after roughly 470 years without it.

What will you see at the church today?

The building presents itself as a modest example of rural Classicist architecture, the style that replaced the earlier medieval forms of many small Bohemian village churches during the 19th century. Its plain, restrained massing sits in contrast to the site's medieval origins — that gap between a 14th-century foundation and a 19th-century facade is part of what makes Chotíkov worth a stop for anyone interested in the layered history of Czech village churches. The building is not merely a static monument: it remains an active place of worship and community events, hosting concerts by local musical groups, and it takes part in the nationwide Night of Churches (Noc kostelů), when it opens its doors to visitors outside regular service hours.

How do you get to Chotíkov?

Chotíkov sits directly on the northwestern edge of the Plzeň urban area, within the Plzeň-North district, making it an easy half-day addition to a visit to the regional capital. The most practical way to reach it is by car or local public transport running from Plzeň — the short distance from the city center means a visit to the church and a walk around the village can be fitted into just a few hours.

When is the best time to visit?

Because this is a small village church without fixed, extensive visiting hours for tourists, the best time to come is during scheduled events — above all the Night of Churches, when the building is open and local community members are often on hand. Outside those dates, it is worth checking the local concert calendar, which offers a chance to combine seeing the exterior with experiencing a cultural event inside.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Chotíkov? It is first mentioned in 1352, though its current Classicist appearance comes from a rebuilding completed in 1834.

Was the church always a parish church? No — it lost independent parish status around 1435, when it became subordinate to the parish in Malesice, and only regained it in 1906.

Are there events open to visitors? Yes, the church hosts concerts and takes part in the nationwide Night of Churches, when it is open to the public outside normal service hours.

How far is Chotíkov from Plzeň? The village lies directly on the edge of the Plzeň urban area, in the Plzeň-North district, so it is easy to combine with a trip to the city itself.