Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Medieval church in Vorkloster, Czech Republic

The Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a church building within the Porta coeli Convent complex, featuring both Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements. The structure combines different architectural layers that become visible as you walk through its interior spaces.

The church was built in two stages between 1233 and 1240, shortly after the convent's founding, and was consecrated in 1239. Constance of Hungary, widow of Přemysl Otakar I, is considered its founder; she and her son, Margrave Přemysl, were buried in the presbytery. In 1782 Joseph II's decree dissolved the monastery and the church became a parish church, serving again as the convent church from 1901.

The monastery name Porta Coeli, "Gate of Heaven", is echoed in the west portal, whose tympanum shows Christ flanked by a female and a male figure. Inside, the side altars of St John of Nepomuk and St John the Baptist hold glass coffins with relic figures of St Pinnosa and St Theodora from the Roman catacombs.

The church stands in Předklášteří, about 20 km from Brno, reachable by car or public transport. It is a parish church, so check service times before visiting if you want to see the interior without a congregation. The convent complex around it has been a national cultural monument since 2010.

The church has no tower; a four-sided bell tower stands over the crossing of the main and transverse naves. The lavish west portal, guarded by reclining lions, was meant to express the monastery's name Porta Coeli, Gate of Heaven.