Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Koloděje

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Koloděje is a small Classicist parish church in Koloděje, a district on the eastern edge of Prague. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Parish of Prague-Koloděje, part of the city's 3rd vicariate. While it doesn't sit among Prague's headline sights, it's a worthwhile stop for visitors exploring the quieter, semi-suburban parts of the city and anyone curious about the smaller stories behind local church history.

Where does this church come from?

The story of the Koloděje church is tied directly to the fate of another, now-vanished church — one dedicated to St. Bartholomew in nearby Újezd nad Lesy. When that older building ceased to serve its original purpose, the materials salvaged from its demolition were reused to construct a new church in Koloděje. Building work took place between 1806 and 1807, resulting in the simple Classicist structure still standing today.

Along with the building materials, some of the furnishings from the old Újezd church made their way to Koloděje as well: a painting depicting St. Bartholomew and three bells. One of those bells carries particular historical weight — it dates back to 1486, making it one of the older surviving historic bells in the area around Prague.

What does the church's architecture look like?

The building is a modest, functional example of Classicist style, typical of rural and suburban churches from this period. Inside, a flat ceiling covers the nave, complemented by a presbytery. The structure is topped with a hipped roof, on which a polygonal turret serves as a small signal tower. This kind of plain, unornamented form was common in sacred architecture of small settlements around the turn of the 19th century.

The church underwent renovation in the early 2000s, with work carried out between 2002 and 2003. As a result, the building remains in good technical condition despite its age and its relatively low-key, suburban location.

Is it a protected monument?

Yes. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Koloděje is listed as a legally protected cultural monument in the Czech Republic. This protection covers both the physical structure and its historical link to the demolished church in Újezd nad Lesy.

Where exactly is it located?

The church stands in Koloděje, a district in the eastern part of Prague, within the administrative area of Prague 21. It's a quiet, largely suburban setting, away from the bustle of the city center — which can be an appeal in itself for visitors looking for a less touristy corner of the Czech capital.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church in Koloděje built? It was built between 1806 and 1807, in the Classicist style.

Why was the Koloděje church built from materials of another church? Because the Church of St. Bartholomew in nearby Újezd nad Lesy was demolished around the same time, and its building materials were reused to construct the new church in Koloděje.

What survived from the old church in Újezd? A painting of St. Bartholomew and three bells were transferred to Koloděje, including one bell dating from 1486.

Has the church been renovated? Yes, it was renovated between 2002 and 2003.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it is listed as a protected cultural monument.