Saint Bartolomew Church in Vrahovice

St. Bartholomew's Church stands on the village square in Vrahovice, a district of Prostějov in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic, roughly 3 km east of the city centre. The baroque building is the architectural landmark of this part of town and is protected as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

What is the history behind the church?

The building seen today is actually the third church erected on this site. The original, wooden church burned down completely in 1586. Construction of the current, brick-built church began in May 1831. Financing problems slowed the work, and the church was only finished and consecrated in 1836. Its interior furnishings continued to be completed over the following decades, well into the late 19th century.

What does the church look like?

The church has a distinctive white facade that, together with the adjoining rectory, forms a recognisable ensemble on the Vrahovice square. Its architecture, typical of early-19th-century sacred buildings in the region, makes it the main visual reference point in this part of Prostějov — a role the two earlier churches on the same spot no longer play.

Has the church been restored?

Yes — in the 1990s the building underwent a complete renovation, which brought both the facade and the surrounding grounds to the well-kept condition visitors see today.

Who runs the parish?

The parish attached to St. Bartholomew's Church is administered by the Salesians (Salesians of Don Bosco), who carry out the day-to-day pastoral work here. Their presence shapes everyday parish life centred on the church and the neighbouring rectory.

Where exactly is Vrahovice?

Vrahovice was once an independent village and became part of Prostějov only in 1973. Today it functions as the city's eastern district, about 3 km from the centre, while keeping its own square and local character — with St. Bartholomew's Church as the most recognisable landmark in the area. It makes a natural starting point for a walk through this quiet, outlying part of Prostějov, away from the visitor traffic concentrated in the historic city centre.

Frequently asked questions

How old is St. Bartholomew's Church in Vrahovice? The current building was constructed between 1831 and 1836, but it is already the third church on this site — the first, wooden one, burned down in 1586.

Is it a protected monument? Yes, the church is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic.

Who manages the parish? The parish is run by the Salesians.

Where is the church located? In Vrahovice, a district of Prostějov, about 3 km east of the city centre, in the Olomouc Region of the Czech Republic.

Was Vrahovice always part of Prostějov? No — it was an independent village that was only incorporated into the city in 1973.