kostel svatého Šimona a Judy (Radostice)

The Church of Sts. Simon and Jude stands in the small village of Radostice on the Bobrava Highlands, in the Brno-venkov district, a dozen or so kilometres southwest of Brno. It is a modest rural church that, despite its unassuming size, holds more than six and a half centuries of architectural history — from a Gothic presbytery to a Baroque nave.

What is the history of the church in Radostice?

The church was founded in 1333 by the local lords Mikuláš and Petr of Radostice. The original structure did not survive unchanged, however — as early as 1366 a new Gothic presbytery was built, which remains the oldest and most valuable part of the church to this day. It has a distinctive polygonal end and is covered by a cross vault, a feature typical of the Gothic building workshops of that period.

Another major rebuilding took place in 1722, when a new Baroque nave was added to the older Gothic presbytery. The combination of the two architectural styles — austere Gothic and lighter Baroque — gave the church its current, distinctive appearance. In 1850 the building underwent a further renovation, which helped it survive in good condition to the present day.

What is notable about the presbytery's architecture?

The most valuable element of the church is the Gothic presbytery from 1366. Its polygonal end and cross vault are features typical of Central European sacred architecture of the 14th century — simple in form but precisely executed. It is this part of the building that gives the church, despite its small size, its listed cultural monument status.

Is the church still an active parish today?

The Church of Sts. Simon and Jude is not the seat of an independent parish today — it functions as a filial (subsidiary) church belonging to the parish in Ořechov, whose parish church is dedicated to St. George. Services in Radostice are held every Saturday at 3:30 PM, with Sunday validity — meaning attendance at the Saturday Mass fulfils the Sunday obligation for the faithful.

What protection status does the building have?

The church is listed in the register of cultural monuments of the Czech Republic. Heritage protection covers the entire structure, with particular emphasis on the Gothic presbytery as the oldest and architecturally most valuable part of the building.

Where exactly is the church located?

The church stands in the centre of the village of Radostice, in the Brno-venkov district, South Moravian Region. Its geographic coordinates are 49.1321 N, 16.4782 E.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the church in Radostice? The church was founded in 1333 by the local lords Mikuláš and Petr of Radostice.

Which part of the church is the oldest? The oldest and architecturally most valuable part is the Gothic presbytery, built in 1366, with a cross vault and polygonal end.

When was the Baroque nave built? The Baroque-style nave was added in 1722.

Are regular services held at the church? Yes, Mass is celebrated every Saturday at 3:30 PM, with Sunday validity, since the church is a filial church of the parish in Ořechov.

Is the church a protected monument? Yes, the building is listed in the register of cultural monuments.