Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Kadaň, Gothic church in Kadaň, Czech Republic

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is the main Catholic church of Kadaň, a Gothic core building with Baroque modifications from 1654 and 1747–1755. Only the church vestibule with its Gothic portal and curved vault survives from the original Gothic structure; the tower domes date from 1862.

The building originated after 1250 when Kadaň gained the status of a royal city. Multiple destructive fires over the centuries necessitated significant repairs and modifications that shaped its current form.

This church serves as a gathering place for the local Catholic community and marks important religious occasions throughout the year. The space shows how it functions for weddings, baptisms, and celebrations that shape the spiritual life of residents.

The interior is accessible for visitors to observe the Gothic details and artistic elements throughout the space. Allowing adequate time to walk through and examine the architectural features and religious artworks at a leisurely pace is worthwhile.

The 1507 bell Zuzana cracked in 1512 and was recast before the Holy Gate; a piece broke off soon after, yet it served for over a century until the 1635 fire melted it. Its metal was recast in 1636 in the courtyard of Kadaň Castle.