Kreuzkirche, Zittau

The Kreuzkirche is a Gothic church in Zittau built without side aisles, featuring a distinctive single large space underneath its vaulted ceiling. A twelve-sided central pillar supports a star-shaped vault with ribs radiating outward, creating an open and spacious interior.

Construction began around 1400 with stonemasons from Prague Cathedral contributing their skills to the project. The church received its consecration in 1410 and reflects Bohemian architectural traditions of the period.

The church became a center for displaying sacred textiles that drew pilgrims seeking spiritual reflection during important religious seasons. These cloths embodied medieval devotion and shaped local Easter traditions for centuries.

Visitors can find the church at Frauenstraße 23 in Zittau and explore both the building itself and its medieval textile collection inside. Check visiting hours in advance to ensure you can properly tour the interior without interruption.

The interior contains 15th-century wall paintings showing the instruments of Christ's passion set within red-green frames, revealing Bohemian artistic influences on the region. These murals demonstrate the artistic connections between Saxony and Bohemia during the medieval period.