Church of the Finding of the True Cross (Znojmo)

The Church of the Finding of the True Cross in Znojmo is a former Dominican monastery church that for centuries served as one of the leading pilgrimage sites of southern Moravia. Standing in the historic town centre, it forms a sacred complex with the adjoining Dominican monastery whose roots reach back to the Middle Ages.

What is the history behind the church?

The church was probably founded in 1230 together with the Dominican monastery. Legend links its establishment to the intercession of Saint Hyacinth, a figure closely tied to the Dominican order in the Czech lands. Over the following centuries the church became renowned for housing a substantial relic of the True Cross, which drew pilgrims from across the region and turned the site into an important centre of worship.

The turning point in the building's history came in 1555, when a devastating fire destroyed both the church and the monastery. The blaze consumed the monastery's library and archives, and with them the precious relic of the cross was lost forever, ending the site's role as a pilgrimage destination in its original form. The building suffered further damage during the Thirty Years' War, which delayed reconstruction for decades.

It was only in the second half of the 17th century that the Dominicans managed to rebuild the church, following the fashionable early Baroque style of the period. The result was a three-aisled structure in which the side aisles were shaped as separate chapels linked only by narrow passageways. In the first half of the 18th century a striking high Baroque entrance portal was added, and construction work culminated in the completed renovation of the church's two tall towers, which still dominate this part of Znojmo today.

What can you see inside?

The interior holds several works of considerable artistic value. Visitors can find Baroque organs built in 1755 by the organ maker I. Kasparid. The sculptural decoration is the work of the Dominican friar Klaus Heinz, while the walls are adorned with paintings by L. Cracker and J. Winterhalter. Particular attention goes to the late Baroque altarpiece depicting the revelation of Christ to Saint Norbert, painted by F. A. Maulbertsch — originally created for the summer refectory of Louka Monastery and later placed inside the Znojmo church.

How do you get there?

The church stands within Znojmo's historic centre, close to the former Dominican monastery complex, making it an easy stop on foot during a walk through the old town. It is worth combining a visit with the town's other sacred landmarks, including the Church of St Nicholas, whose parish today shares pastoral care of the Znojmo faithful with this church.

When is the best time to visit?

The church is occasionally opened to visitors beyond regular service hours, including during the nationwide Night of Churches event, when sacred buildings across the Czech Republic welcome the public for extended viewing. This is a good opportunity to see the interior without the restrictions of an ordinary day.

Frequently asked questions

When was the church founded? Probably in 1230, together with the Dominican monastery, and according to legend at the intercession of Saint Hyacinth.

Why was the church an important pilgrimage site? Because it housed a substantial relic of the True Cross, which was lost in the great fire of 1555.

In what style was the current church built? In the early Baroque style, with a three-aisled layout and side chapels connected by narrow passages — the rebuilding took place in the second half of the 17th century after the damage caused by the fire and the Thirty Years' War.

What is the most valuable item inside the church? The late Baroque altarpiece by F. A. Maulbertsch showing the revelation of Christ to Saint Norbert, originally painted for Louka Monastery.