Church of Saint John the Baptist, Gothic fortified church in Kurdějov, Czech Republic
The Church of Saint John the Baptist is a fortified place of worship built on elevated ground with thick defensive walls that blend religious and military design. The structure combines prayer spaces and altars with ramparts and reinforced walls that protected the building during attacks.
The building was created in medieval times and designed specifically as a defensive church to protect the population and religious treasures. It served as a refuge and defensive position during warfare, shielding the community from invasion and destruction.
The interior displays Gothic stone carvings and vaulted designs that show how medieval craftspeople in Bohemia worked and decorated religious spaces. Walking through reveals the local building methods and artistic choices that shaped how the community expressed faith.
Visiting is seasonal and depends on local arrangements, as the building is not open year-round and access varies by time of year. Those wanting to go inside should check with the municipal office beforehand to confirm current visiting possibilities.
Beneath the building lies a tunnel system dug in medieval times that connected different points in the settlement. These underground passages gave residents quick escape and supply routes whenever danger threatened the community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.