Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary

The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary stands on a small hill known as Tabačov above Velké Bílovice, a village in the Břeclav District of the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic, right in the heart of the country's best-known wine country.

What is the history behind the church?

The site originally held a wooden chapel belonging to the Unity of the Brethren, built in 1564 on the initiative of Jan the Younger of Žerotín, who owned the local estate at the time. After 1624, when non-Catholic worship was suppressed across Czech lands, the building lost its congregation and gradually fell into ruin. The present masonry church was raised only in 1764–1765, commissioned by Josef Václav of Liechtenstein, who by then owned the estate. A chapel was added to the north side of the presbytery in 1781, reached by an internal spiral staircase on its western side. The painting on the main altar, showing the Nativity of Mary, was consecrated in 1784. The church suffered damage during the fighting of 1945, and repairs began in 1950.

What does the building look like?

It is a single-nave, east-facing structure roughly 30 metres long and 11 metres wide, closed at its eastern end by a polygonal presbytery. A rectangular sacristy adjoins the presbytery on the south side. The western facade is dominated by a three-storey tower with a clock face, decorated with volute scrollwork on the gable and topped by a pyramidal spire with a cross. Next to the church stands a rectory built around 1893 to a design by architect Karl Weinbrenner, with the Liechtenstein family coat of arms above its entrance.

Why is Velké Bílovice worth a stop?

The village itself is the largest wine-growing municipality in the Czech Republic, with close to 800 hectares under vine and more than 650 wine cellars run by local families. A visit to the church pairs naturally with a walk among the vineyards and a stop at one of the cellars, especially during the September and October harvest season.

When is the best time to visit?

Vineyards surround the Tabačov hill in green through spring and summer, and the village comes alive with wine-harvest festivities in autumn. The church can be viewed from outside year-round, and its tower is visible from much of the village thanks to its position on the hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What denomination is the church in Velké Bílovice? It is a Roman Catholic parish church.

When was the current building constructed? The existing masonry church dates from 1764–1765, replacing an earlier Unity of the Brethren chapel from 1564.

What stands near the church? A rectory from the late 19th century sits right beside it, and the surrounding Tabačov hill is covered in the vineyards typical of this part of Moravia.

Was the church damaged during the war? Yes, it was damaged during fighting in 1945 and restored starting in 1950.