svatý Vavřinec

Church of Saint Lawrence in Nuzířov is a modest parish church whose roots stretch back to the Middle Ages, even though the building standing today only dates from the 19th century. Nuzířov is part of the municipality of Malhostovice in the Brno-venkov district of the South Moravian Region, and the church has served as a local religious center for the surrounding community for centuries.

How do you get there?

Nuzířov lies in southern Czechia, in the Brno-venkov district, not far from Brno. The easiest way to reach it is by car, using the local roads connecting Brno with Tišnov — the area is distinctly rural, so it's worth planning the route in advance and expecting limited public transport options. The church itself stands within the built-up area of Malhostovice, the municipality to which Nuzířov administratively belongs, so head there when looking for it.

What is the history behind it?

The first written record of the church dates from February 20, 1407, though historians believe the building itself is older, likely founded in the 13th century or, at the latest, around the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. It served as the parish church for the surrounding villages until roughly 1590. The original structure had an early Gothic core — a presbytery and nave — to which a late Gothic sacristy was added in the last decade of the 15th century.

The 17th century brought hard times: after the Thirty Years' War the church fell into disrepair, and due to a shortage of priests, the parish was administered from Lomnice, more than 10 kilometers away, between 1658 and 1707. It wasn't until the founding of the Diocese of Brno in 1777 that regular pastoral care returned to the region.

Over time, the old building deteriorated so badly that in 1834 the decision was made to tear it down. The foundation stone of a new church was laid that same May, and the new building was consecrated on June 28, 1835. The only element surviving from the medieval structure is the tower, which is believed to date from 1763.

What will you see inside?

The interior blends furnishings from several different eras. The main altar was made in 1926 by Bohumil Bek of Kutná Hora, giving the space a character typical of early 20th-century sacred art. The organ dates back to 1856 and was built by organ master Svítil of Nové Město. The pews are considerably newer, installed in 1992, which shows the church has been kept in active use and adapted to parishioners' needs right up until recent decades.

The church falls under the parish of Drásov, within the Tišnov deanery, and is listed as a protected cultural monument of the Czech Republic — recognition of its historical value despite the relatively young age of the current building.

When is the best time to visit?

Given the quiet, rural character of the surroundings, it's best to visit during daylight hours, when the local roads are easy to navigate and the village is more active. The church pairs well with a visit to Malhostovice itself and other sights in the Brno-venkov district — a region offering an authentic, unhurried slice of Czech countryside just a short drive from the bustle of Brno.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the church in Nuzířov and the church in Malhostovice the same place? Yes — Nuzířov is part of the Malhostovice municipality, and the Church of Saint Lawrence is administratively and geographically tied to that village.

How old is the church? Its roots go back to the 13th or 14th century, but the building standing today dates from 1834–1835, after the earlier, deteriorated church was demolished. The only surviving element from the older structure is the tower, dating from 1763.

Can visitors go inside? The interior holds historic furnishings, including an altar from 1926 and an organ from 1856 — it's worth checking local opening hours, since as a branch church it isn't always open daily.

Which parish does the church belong to? The church belongs to the parish of Drásov, within the Tišnov deanery.