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Temples

Church of St. Vitus

4.7 · 914 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Church of St. Vitus, Kostelní 381 01, 1 Český Krumlov 1, Czechia
Interesting facts
1

The church was commissioned by the powerful House of Rosenberg, whose coat of arms appears throughout the interior.

2

It features a unique 'net vault' ceiling, a hallmark of the Parler school of architecture.

3

The church's organ, installed in the 18th century, is renowned for its original mechanism and acoustic resonance.

4

The St. John of Nepomuk Chapel contains a series of paintings detailing the saint's life, completed in the 18th century.

5

A rare 15th-century epitaph for the Sezin of Ústí family is preserved within the side nave.

6

The tower features a distinct transition from a square base to an octagonal top, common in Bohemian architecture of the era.

Overview

The Church of St. Vitus is a prominent double-aisled late Gothic structure located in the heart of Český Krumlov. Constructed between 1407 and 1439 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church, it serves as the town's principal ecclesiastical landmark. The interior features a vaulted ceiling supported by thin pillars and houses significant 15th-century frescoes, particularly in the St. John the Evangelist chapel. The high altar dates from the 17th century, while the original stone pulpit is an example of late Gothic craftsmanship. The church also contains the tomb of William of Rosenberg, the last of the Rosenberg family, who died in 1592. Its exterior is dominated by a slender tower, later modified with a copper onion dome. The building is positioned on a slight elevation above the Vltava River, overlooking the historic town center. It remains an active parish church today.

Photo spot

From the pedestrian bridge at the base of the hill looking up at the tower and the church's riverside elevation.

Insider tips

Enter through the main portal to observe the elevation change from the entrance to the high altar.

Walk around the perimeter to the back garden area for a clear view of the river-facing buttresses.

Keep noise to a minimum as the church remains an active site of religious worship.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to enter if a wedding or funeral ceremony is in progress, as public access is restricted during these times.

Good to know

Limited access during scheduled daily mass and occasional private religious ceremonies.

Etiquette

Maintain silence, remove hats, and refrain from photography during ongoing religious services.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Early morning to avoid the primary flow of daytime tour groups.
Address
Church of St. Vitus, Kostelní 381 01, 1 Český Krumlov 1, Czechia
48.810, 14.316
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleLate Gothic
Key feature15th-century fresco cycle

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning to avoid the primary flow of daytime tour groups..

From the pedestrian bridge at the base of the hill looking up at the tower and the church's riverside elevation.

Close by you'll find Státní hrad a zámek Český Krumlov, The Castle Garden, Český Krumlov Castle Tower.