Evangelical church

The Evangelical Church (Red Church) in Litoměřice stands in Jiráskovy sady park, in the Litoměřice-Předměstí district, and is one of the few buildings in the city built for a non-Catholic congregation. Known locally today mainly by its nickname, the Red Church, its history dates back to the start of the 20th century and to the German Lutheran community that once lived in the town in significant numbers.

Why is it called the "Red Church"?

The building was raised from exposed, unplastered brick in neo-Gothic forms - hence the popular name it still carries in Litoměřice. Its red brick facade stands out clearly against the plastered, Baroque Catholic churches that dominate the historic town centre, making it an easily recognisable landmark in the Předměstí district.

Who built the church, and when?

The church was constructed in 1901-1902 as a branch house of worship for the local German Lutheran congregation. Construction was carried out by Litoměřice builder Mann, following plans drawn up by Leipzig architect Paul Lange. It was originally named Erlöserkirche - the Church of the Redeemer - a name that directly reflected its Evangelical Lutheran purpose nearly one hundred and twenty years ago.

What happened to the church after the Second World War?

After 1945, when the German population was expelled from Litoměřice, the Lutheran congregation ceased to exist and the church's property was confiscated. The building briefly passed to the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren before becoming the property of the Czechoslovak (Hussite) Church. In the following years the building fell into disrepair, without a single congregation using it continuously.

Who uses the building today?

The turning point came around the turn of the 1960s and 1970s, during the Prague Spring era, when the by-then dilapidated church was taken over by the Brethren Baptist congregation, which began restoration work in 1970. Since 1973, the building has been jointly owned by two congregations - the Baptists and the Hussite Czechoslovak Church - who continue to use it as a place of worship and gathering to this day.

Is the Red Church worth seeing from the outside?

For visitors exploring Litoměřice, the church offers a striking contrast to the town's Baroque centre - a rare regional example of Protestant sacred architecture from the turn of the 20th century that has survived despite a turbulent postwar history. Its location inside Jiráskovy sady makes it easy to combine a look at the building with a walk through the park.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the Evangelical Church located in Litoměřice? In Jiráskovy sady park, in the Litoměřice-Předměstí district.

Why is it called the "Red Church"? Because of its facade of exposed, unplastered red brick, built in neo-Gothic style.

When was the church built? In 1901-1902, as a branch church for the local German Lutheran congregation, following plans by Leipzig architect Paul Lange.

What was the church originally called? Erlöserkirche - the Church of the Redeemer.

Who uses the church today? Since 1973 it has been jointly owned by the Brethren Baptist congregation and the Hussite Czechoslovak Church.