Korandův sbor

Korandův sbor is a functionalist church-and-residential complex of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren in Plzeň, standing on the Anglické nábřeží embankment. The congregation is named after Václav Koranda, Plzeň's first Hussite preacher who died in 1453, and it is one of two Protestant parishes that have operated in the city since the early 20th century.

Where does the name and history come from?

The parish was founded in 1921 as the second, eastern congregation of the Czech Brethren in Plzeň. Its growth is closely tied to pastor Karel Machotka, the main driving force behind building a new church complex in the city centre. The foundation stone was laid on 16 June 1935, and the whole complex was built between 1934 and 1938 to a design by architect Jaroslav Fišer. The result is a building group now regarded as one of the architecturally most valuable examples of interwar construction in Plzeň.

What will you see on site?

The complex occupies a plot between Anglické nábřeží and Prokopova street. At its centre stands a circular prayer hall, surrounded by three congregational and residential buildings. The five-storey building facing the embankment leads through an entrance hall into a rotunda - a monumental circular space with twelve columns, a gallery and a glazed skylight dome. Besides the church itself, the complex also houses a columbarium, a concert hall, and office and residential space. One architectural curiosity: the residential building once contained what was the second-oldest elevator in Plzeň.

How to get there and when to visit?

The complex sits in central Plzeň, within easy walking distance of the historic main square and the city's other landmarks, making it simple to combine with a broader sightseeing route. The prayer hall is typically opened to visitors during the nationwide Night of Churches (Noc kostelů) event, when the rotunda's interior can be viewed without attending a service. Otherwise the building remains an active place of worship and parish office, so it is worth planning a visit around service times or the parish office hours.

Why is it worth a stop?

Korandův sbor is a rare Czech example of functionalist religious architecture that combines a prayer hall, housing and cultural space within a single compact urban ensemble. The colonnaded rotunda with its glass dome stands out against the surrounding streetscape of central Plzeň, and the building is listed as a heritage monument documenting both 1930s architecture and the history of the Protestant movement in western Bohemia.

Frequently asked questions

Who was the congregation named after? Václav Koranda, Plzeň's first Hussite preacher, who died in 1453.

When was the complex built? The parish dates back to 1921, while the current building was constructed between 1934 and 1938 to a design by architect Jaroslav Fišer.

What is the architectural highlight of the site? The circular rotunda at the centre of the complex, featuring twelve columns, a gallery, and a glazed dome.

When can you see the interior? The easiest opportunity is during the Night of Churches (Noc kostelů) event, or by arranging a visit with the parish, since the building is an active place of worship.