Evangelical church (Nové Město na Moravě)

The Evangelical Church in Nové Město na Moravě is a modest yet architecturally distinctive Protestant church, completed at the close of the 19th century and protected today as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

How old is the local Protestant community?

The congregation traces its roots to 1782, when local Evangelicals of the Augsburg and Helvetic confessions were granted permission to organize their own parish. They built a chapel, a school, a cemetery, and a rectory. The first chapel, raised in 1784, served the community for more than a century before a larger church was planned on the same site.

When was the current building built?

The present church was designed by Vienna-based architect Ferdinand Glaser and built by local builder Josef Sadílek. It was formally dedicated in September 1898. The structure was raised in a Neo-Renaissance / Neoclassical style, with detailing that draws on Tuscan architectural forms.

What makes the building worth a look?

Its floor plan follows the shape of a Greek cross - four arms of equal length - a layout that sets it apart from the elongated naves typical of Catholic churches in the region. Glaser designed not only the exterior but also the interior furnishings, which have survived largely unchanged since 1898, a rarity for churches of this era, many of which had their interiors reworked over the following decades. The building remains an active place of worship, cared for by the local congregation of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren (Českobratrská církev evangelická).

How do you get there?

The church stands in Nové Město na Moravě, a town in the Žďár nad Sázavou district of the Vysočina region, in the heart of the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands. The area draws visitors for its cross-country skiing trails and its proximity to the Žďárské vrchy Protected Landscape Area. The town itself has good road and rail links to regional hubs such as Žďár nad Sázavou and Brno.

When should you visit?

Since the church is an active parish building, plan a visit outside service times, or check with the congregation in advance. Because much of its appeal lies in its exterior proportions and detailing, daylight hours are the best time to appreciate the Greek-cross layout and the Tuscan-inspired facade.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Evangelical Church in Nové Město na Moravě? The building was designed by Viennese architect Ferdinand Glaser and constructed by builder Josef Sadílek. It was dedicated in September 1898.

Was there an earlier church on the same site? Yes. A chapel built in 1784 served the congregation, which had been founded in 1782, until it was replaced by the current, larger church.

What architectural style is the church? It is built in a Neo-Renaissance / Neoclassical style with Tuscan-influenced details, and its floor plan takes the form of a Greek cross.

Is the church still in use today? Yes, it remains an active parish church of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren and is protected as a Czech cultural monument.