Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Rajhrad

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Rajhrad is a modest yet historically rich parish church standing in the shadow of the town's famous Benedictine abbey, though it is a separate sacred building in its own right, located in the Brno-venkov District of the South Moravian Region. Its origins go back to the Middle Ages, and its current Baroque appearance is the result of several rebuilding phases spread across more than four centuries.

How did the church come to be built?

The story begins on November 10, 1330, when the Bishop of Olomouc, Heinrich Berka, granted permission to build a chapel in Rajhrad dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The location was not accidental: locals needed a place of worship safe from the frequent flooding of the Svratka River, which regularly struck the area during spring thaws and heavy rainstorms. The chapel served this purpose for centuries before undergoing a major transformation.

When did the church get its current Baroque look?

The first significant change came in 1682–1683, when Brno-based builder Matyáš Baumgarten converted the modest chapel into a Baroque structure. That was not the end of the architectural story, though — some sources credit the renowned Czech-Italian architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel with the design concept, drafted around 1720, even though construction based on it was only carried out in 1765–1766. A few years later, on April 10, 1767, the Bishop of Olomouc, Maximilian of Hamilton, elevated the building to the status of a parish church, confirming its growing importance for the local community.

What other changes happened over the years?

In 1845 the church underwent an extensive renovation, focused mainly on the interior. Another notable intervention took place in 1898, when academic sculptor Ignác Bergmann restored the church's altars. Thanks to this work, the building has retained its representative Baroque character to this day.

What can visitors see inside?

Built on a cross-shaped floor plan, the church measures 28 meters in length and 20 meters in width — proportions typical of churches from this period, giving the interior a monumental feel despite the town's modest size. Inside stand three altars. The main altar, dedicated to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, is adorned with a crucifix carved by Brno sculptor Adam Nösmann, one of the most valuable pieces of the church's furnishings.

How do you get to the church?

Rajhrad lies a little over ten kilometers south of Brno and is well connected by both road and rail — the town has its own railway station, with journeys to central Brno taking only a few minutes. The church stands within the town's historic core, close to the Benedictine abbey, which makes visiting both sites a natural combination for a single trip.

When is the best time to visit?

Since this is an active parish church, the best time to visit is on weekdays outside of service hours, when the interior can be seen in a quieter setting. It is worth checking local opening hours in advance, as the building's schedule is governed primarily by its liturgical role rather than tourist visiting hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church in Rajhrad the same as the Benedictine abbey? No. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a separate parish church, even though it stands close to Rajhrad's famous Benedictine abbey — the two are distinct sacred buildings in the same town.

When was the church built? The original chapel was built in 1330 with the permission of the Bishop of Olomouc, Heinrich Berka, and the building was elevated to parish church status in 1767.

Who designed the Baroque rebuilding? Some sources attribute the design concept, dated to around 1720, to Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, while the earlier Baroque conversion (1682–1683) was carried out by builder Matyáš Baumgarten.

What is the most valuable item inside? The crucifix on the main altar, carved by Brno sculptor Adam Nösmann.