Rotunda of Saint Catherine in Česká Třebová

The Rotunda of Saint Catherine is a round church built with thick stone walls and small windows designed to let in minimal light. A distinctive vaulted dome crowns the interior space, creating an intimate chamber typical of early medieval religious buildings across Central Europe.

The structure was built during the 1200s to serve both as a place of prayer and as a defensive stronghold for the people of eastern Bohemia. It has withstood centuries of regional changes and remains a witness to that distant era.

The rotunda remains a working place of worship for the local community and draws visitors curious about medieval religious buildings. People can experience the sacred in a simple, unchanged form that has endured for roughly 9 centuries.

The building sits at an elevated location that is straightforward to reach and offers good views of the surrounding area. Visitors should expect narrow passages since the structure is very old.

This rotunda is the sole surviving example of its kind in all of eastern Bohemia and stands as a rare testament to early Romanesque building techniques. Its singular status makes it a special destination for those who study medieval construction.

Location: Česká Třebová

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

GPS coordinates: 49.90443,16.45051

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:24