Church of the Virgin Mary

Church of the Virgin Mary in Staré Hodějovice is a small pseudo-Gothic parish church built in 1900, standing in a village in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic, only a few kilometers from České Budějovice.

Where is the church located?

Staré Hodějovice is a small village southeast of České Budějovice, the capital of the South Bohemian Region. The church stands within the village and serves as its main landmark — its modest stone structure is visible from the roads leading into the settlement.

When was the church built, and in what style?

The church was built in 1900 in the pseudo-Gothic style, an architectural trend popular in Central Europe at the turn of the 20th century that revived medieval Gothic forms through pointed-arch windows, steep proportions, and stone detailing. Churches in this style were commonly built as parish churches in smaller South Bohemian settlements at the time, often replacing older or damaged sacred buildings.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Besides the church itself, the municipality of Staré Hodějovice preserves three roadside chapels (boží muka) dating from the 19th century. These small wayside shrines are typical of the South Bohemian countryside, traditionally placed along roads and at crossroads — worth combining with a short walk through the village.

How do you get to Staré Hodějovice?

The village lies right next to České Budějovice, the largest city in the South Bohemian Region and a natural base for exploring this part of the country. Its proximity to a major city makes the village easy to reach by car or local public transport.

Is this the same church as the one in Nové Hodějovice?

No. Nearby Nové Hodějovice (now part of České Budějovice) has a similarly named church — the Church of the Virgin Mary Queen of Angels, built considerably later, in 1938–1940. These are two separate places of worship despite the similar name and close proximity — worth keeping in mind when planning a visit around České Budějovice.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Church of the Virgin Mary in Staré Hodějovice built? In 1900.

What architectural style was the church built in? Pseudo-Gothic, drawing on medieval Gothic architecture.

Where exactly is Staré Hodějovice located? It is a village in the South Bohemian Region, close to České Budějovice.

Are there other landmarks nearby worth visiting? Yes — the municipality preserves three roadside chapels from the 19th century.

Can visitors go inside the church? Sources do not list fixed opening hours for visitors — as with many rural parish churches, interior access may depend on Mass times or contacting the parish.