I'm sure something similar has happened to you several times in your life. You see a church building on the road that attracts attention with its symmetrical architecture and the calmness that emanates from the place. But if you touch the handle, you can't get in because the church is locked. That won't happen to you here in Litomyšl, because the team at Zámecký návrší makes sure that the Piarist Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross is open to the public.
From baroque to laser
The cultural significance of the Temple of the Finding of the Holy Cross is mapped out in detail on a guided tour. Just outside the massive entrance doors, you will be struck by the combination of Baroque and modern architectural elements, and you wouldn't have guessed that the church had burned down four times, that cars were parked inside until a few years ago, or that birch trees grew on the galleries. The High Baroque building was built by the Piarist order and the premises were used not only for church purposes. It was also used for theatre and music. Architects from Ateliér Štěpán followed the idea of the church as a cultural space during the reconstruction. The interior is complemented by installations by Václav Cigler and Michal Motyčka, which offer unexpected experiences connected with Christian symbolism. The glass prism, representing the Holy Spirit, forms a perfect rainbow. The black surface is a water surface and its shiny glass perfectly reflects the depth of the baroque dome. Interestingly, below the reflective surface is the main crypt - a venue for concerts and exhibitions. Currently, you can see the exhibition of the glassmaker Jiří Pačinka. During a special night tour you can enjoy a light installation and see a green laser cross as an apparition. The Purgatory Chapel, adjacent to the west wing of the building, is a unique space. It was created for the purpose of masses for the dead and prayers for their souls to shorten their time in purgatory.
A living church
When you ascend to the galleries, to the imaginary second floor, you are greeted by the Angels on the Hilltop exhibit. The first part of the exhibition illustrates the life of Jesus Christ up to the crucifixion. The symbolic transition to the resurrection zone is materialized by a steel footbridge, beyond which the second part of the exhibition continues. The footbridge floats in space and evokes a sense of transition, thereby also recalling the church's turbulent history. From the footbridge, you will have an unrepeatable view of the Baroque architecture. What sound does the monumental organ make? This is what you will hear during an experiential musical tour with Litomyšl's best organist. An interactive playroom is also open to the public in the galleries, entertaining children and parents alike. A spiral staircase leads you to the terrace, where you can enjoy the view of the Renaissance castle and the whole of Litomyšl.
Significant moments and school trips
As part of a romantic programme, we can arrange flowers and a toast for you - the perfect setting for a proposal or anniversary celebration! There is one other life event for which the facility will create the perfect backdrop, and that is a wedding. The appeal of our Piarist church is that it is accessible for both sacred and social purposes. Individuals can explore it on individual tours, companies or groups can choose from a wide range of tours and experiential programmes, and schools are likely to choose the educational Baroque circuit, designed for pupils and students. The Church of the Holy Cross is open and alive. During the Smetana Litomyšl festival, it is mainly music. When you visit one of the concerts, the newly installed acoustic cubes will enhance your listening experience. Our church is open to tourists, art lovers and above all communication with people.
