Saint Joachim Church

Saint Joachim Church is a Protestant house of worship with three aisles and features reinforced exterior walls along with a western entrance displaying a portrait of Stephan Schlick. The building spans a substantial footprint and embodies the architecture of the early Reformation period.

Construction took place between 1534 and 1540, making it the first Lutheran religious building in Czech lands and marking the rise of Protestantism in Central Europe. A devastating fire in 1873 required extensive restoration by architect Josef Mocker, who preserved historical features while rebuilding.

The church sits near the mining operations and has shaped daily life in town for centuries. It served as a gathering place for the mining community and remains a visible symbol of their connection to this heritage.

Visitors should expect that interior access may be limited due to services held inside, while the exterior facade remains visible year-round. Arriving outside of service times allows for a more peaceful exploration of the plaza and immediate surroundings.

A notable aspect is that pastor Johannes Mathesius delivered sermons specifically for miners starting in 1542, later publishing them in a collection called Sarepta. These texts reveal how closely religious instruction was woven into the daily life of the mining community.

Location: Jáchymov

GPS coordinates: 50.37250,12.91290

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:21