Church of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary

The Church of the Virgin Mary of the Rosary (kostel Panny Marie Růžencové) stands on Jiráskovo náměstí, the central square of the Slovany district on the eastern edge of Plzeň. It is the only church of the Plzeň-Slovany parish and, at the same time, a monastic church belonging to the Dominican order, which maintains its convent here.

When was the church built and who designed it?

Construction took place between 1912 and 1913. The design came from architect Anton Möller of Varnsdorf, while the building work itself, along with on-site supervision, was carried out by the Prague-based architect Eduard Sochor. The church was raised as the centerpiece of what was then a newly established suburb of Plzeň — today's Východní Předměstí district — and was meant from the outset to dominate the surrounding urban layout around the square.

What architectural style does the building represent?

The church was conceived as a modernized basilica, blending elements of German Modernism with touches of late Art Nouveau. The interior is laid out in three naves, and the building's proportions are striking at first glance: the overall length reaches 55.27 meters, while the width across the transept measures 24 meters. The presbytery, slightly raised above the level of the main nave, is 12 meters wide, with a ceiling height of 13 meters — this part of the interior creates the most monumental sense of space.

What makes the exterior of the church distinctive?

The building's most recognizable feature is its slender tower, standing 56.75 meters tall and visible from many points across eastern Plzeň, serving as a natural landmark for the whole Slovany district. Two bells hang in the tower: Josef, cast in 2004, and Dominik, dating from 2005 — both named in reference to the Dominican tradition tied to the church. The tower clock dates back to 1923 and has marked the rhythm of daily life for local residents for over a century.

What is the church's connection to the Dominican order?

The church building forms part of a larger monastic complex that also includes the buildings of the Dominican convent. It is this order that provides pastoral care for the Plzeň-Slovany parish, for which the church is the sole place of worship. Because of the architectural and historical value of the entire complex — the church together with the monastery — the site has been protected as a cultural monument since April 7, 1999.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the church located? On Jiráskovo náměstí, the main square of the Slovany district in eastern Plzeň, Czech Republic.

When was the church built? Between 1912 and 1913, to serve a newly developing suburb of Plzeň.

Who designed the church? The design was created by architect Anton Möller of Varnsdorf, and the construction was carried out by Prague-based architect Eduard Sochor.

How tall is the church tower? The tower is 56.75 meters tall and houses the bells Josef (2004) and Dominik (2005), along with a clock dating from 1923.

What are the church's dimensions? The building is 55.27 meters long and 24 meters wide across the transept, with a 12-meter-wide presbytery and a ceiling height of 13 meters.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes — together with the adjoining Dominican monastery, it has been protected as a cultural monument since 1999.