Church of Saint Augustine

St. Augustine's Church is a Roman Catholic parish church in Brno and one of the city's notable examples of functionalist architecture. It stands on náměstí Míru in the Masarykova čtvrť quarter, within the Stránice cadastral area, part of the Brno-střed district.

What is the history behind the church?

The church was built at the initiative of the Augustinian convent of Old Brno. The main drivers were the rapid growth of the neighborhood and a rising number of parishioners, combined with the approaching 1,500th anniversary of the death of St. Augustine, who died on August 28, 430. The new, large church was meant as a lasting memorial to that anniversary. The design was drawn up between 1929 and 1930 by engineer Vladimír Fischer, a professor at the Brno technical university. The foundation stone was laid on August 28, 1930, in a ceremony led by the abbot of Old Brno, František Saleský Bařina. Building permits were only granted in 1932, and construction was finished in the summer of 1934. The church was consecrated on May 5, 1935, by the Bishop of Brno, Josef Kupka.

What should visitors know about the parish?

An independent parish was established at the church as early as 1938, separated from the older Old Brno parish. Since 1958 the building has been listed as a national cultural monument, a status that underlines its architectural and historical importance among Czech interwar sacred buildings.

What will you see there?

The church is one of the recognizable landmarks of Masarykova čtvrť, built in the functionalist style that gained increasing popularity in Czechoslovak sacred architecture during the 1930s. Its clean, modern form stands out clearly against the older, historicist buildings nearby, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in interwar modernist architecture. The church sits in a quiet, villa district of Brno, so a visit pairs naturally with a walk through the neighborhood's green, low-key streets.

How do you get there?

The church is located on náměstí Míru in Masarykova čtvrť, south of Brno's historic center. The area is well connected to downtown Brno by public transport, and the surrounding streets are pleasant for walking, so it's worth combining a visit with a stroll through the villa quarter.

When is the best time to visit?

As an active parish church, the building primarily serves liturgical functions, so it's best to plan a visit outside service times if you simply want to view the exterior at leisure. Given its status as a national cultural monument, the church remains a worthwhile stop on Brno's architectural map throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed St. Augustine's Church in Brno? The design was created by engineer Vladimír Fischer, a professor at the Brno technical university, between 1929 and 1930.

Why was the church built? It was built mainly because of the neighborhood's rapid growth and the rising number of parishioners, and to commemorate the 1,500th anniversary of St. Augustine's death.

When was the church consecrated? It was consecrated on May 5, 1935, by the Bishop of Brno, Josef Kupka.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, it has been listed as a national cultural monument since 1958.