Husův sbor

Husův sbor is a church of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church standing on Palackého náměstí in České Budějovice — one of the more distinctive examples of interwar sacred architecture in the city.

Why was this church built?

The Czechoslovak Hussite Church was established in 1920 and soon began looking for its own places of worship across the country. In České Budějovice, attempts to take over one of the existing churches failed, so the young community decided to build a brand-new one instead. An architectural competition was announced, drawing entries from several architects, including Vlastislav Chroust, Josef Hrabal and Karel Chochola alongside the eventual winner. The commission went to Tomáš Šašek, who had already designed a similar Hussite church in Hořelice near Prague.

When was it constructed?

Construction was carried out by the České Budějovice building firm of Augustin Teverný, running from March to September 1924. The relatively short construction period reflects the enthusiasm of a young religious community eager to establish its own house of worship only a few years after the church's founding.

What architectural style does it represent?

Husův sbor was built in the rondocubist style, a distinctly Czech architectural trend of the 1920s that blends cubist geometry with rounded, decorative forms drawing on folk-art motifs. It stands as one of the notable rondocubist buildings in South Bohemia, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in interwar architecture.

What can you see inside?

The interior decoration was entrusted to František Bílek, one of the most important Czech sculptors and graphic artists of the era. His work includes stone sculptures of Jan Hus and Petr Chelčický, as well as the pulpit, the altar mensa and a relief depicting the Crucifixion. Bílek's pieces give the interior a raw, expressive character that sets it apart from the typical decoration found in the region's Catholic churches. Since November 1947 the building has also included a columbarium, a space for storing funerary urns.

How do you get there?

The church stands on Palackého náměstí, in an easily accessible part of České Budějovice, a short walk from the historic city centre and its main square, Přemysla Otakara II. The surrounding area is mostly residential with some shops and services, so a visit here can easily be combined with exploring other parts of the city.

Who is this place for?

Husův sbor will appeal above all to visitors interested in twentieth-century architecture and the religious history of the Czech lands — it offers a rare chance to see a sacred building belonging to a non-Catholic faith community founded only after Czechoslovak independence. Bílek's sculptural details are also worth a closer look, even without prior knowledge of the Hussite church's history.

Frequently asked questions

What is Husův sbor? It is a church of the Czechoslovak Hussite Church in České Budějovice, built in 1924 to a design by Tomáš Šašek.

Who designed the building? Architect Tomáš Šašek, the winner of an architectural competition, who had previously designed a similar Hussite church in Hořelice near Prague.

What architectural style does the building represent? Rondocubism — a Czech architectural style of the 1920s combining cubist forms with rounded, decorative elements.

Who created the interior decoration? František Bílek, the sculptor behind the stone figures of Jan Hus and Petr Chelčický, the pulpit, the altar mensa and the Crucifixion relief.