Kostel Nanebevzetí Panny Marie v Mostě

About the museum

The Gothic Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary was built after the town fire of 1515 to plans by Jakub Heilmann of Schweinfurt, on the site of an older early Gothic basilica. Construction began in 1517 and lasted until the early 17th century. The result was a large hall church with engaged piers and a gallery walkway decorated with Renaissance reliefs of biblical scenes; only the crypt survives from the older church. In the first half of the 18th century the space was completed with a monumental high altar, statues by Jan Adam Dietz and paintings by Josef Kramolín.

Because of coal mining the old town of Most was demolished, and the church, weighing about 12 thousand tonnes, was moved along rails from September to October 1975 to a new site 841 metres away. The move took 646 hours and was entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the relocation of the heaviest object on rails. The church now stands next to the Baroque hospital and the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Spirit.

After restoration the church was reopened to the public in November 1988, and in June 1993 it was solemnly reconsecrated. Today it is managed by the National Heritage Institute, which offers tours of the nave with a film about the move, climbing the tower, a visit to the roof structure and the Chapel of the Holy Spirit from 1351, the oldest surviving monument in Most.

Highlights

• church moved 841 metres in 1975
• late Gothic hall nave with gallery walkway
• film about the move of the church
• climb of the tower with 197 steps
• historic roof structures of the church
• early Gothic Chapel of the Holy Spirit from the 14th century

Permanent exhibitions

• Prohlídka kostela s filmem o jeho přesunu – The main route leads through the nave of the Gothic church, complemented by a film about the relocation of the whole building in 1975.
• Kaple Svatého Ducha – The tour presents the early Gothic hospital chapel from the mid-14th century, the oldest surviving monument of the town of Most.

Operated by

Národní památkový ústav

Admission & discounts

The basic admission of CZK 180 applies to the tour of the church nave with the film. Each route is charged separately. Free admission is also granted to holders of single tickets issued by the National Heritage Institute, to NPÚ staff (together with three family members), to holders of ICOMOS and “Náš člověk” cards, and to accredited journalists. Payment is possible in cash or by card.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Wheelchair users have limited access, only to the lower parts of the church. For blind and partially sighted visitors, tactile aids are available: a model of the church, a linocut of the Gothic vault, a sample of stained glass, models of portals and columns, and a bust of the builder Jakub Heilmann of Schweinfurt. Animals are not allowed in the church.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

There is a new children's playground in front of the church. For kindergarten children there is an educational programme with a 15-minute film about the church's relocation; for older pupils there is the programme Sacred Gothic in Most. Children can try the tactile aids in the church by touch.

Getting there & parking

From Ústí nad Labem, take motorway D8, exit at Teplice, then continue via Bílina on road no. 13 to Most. Cycle routes run through the surroundings.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

The grounds include the Restaurant of the Holy Spirit with an outdoor terrace.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 166 guests.

The church (166 seats, with 70 more chairs available), the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and the gallery below the church can be hired, for example for concerts, graduation ceremonies, wedding ceremonies and corporate events. Prices for 2026: church CZK 10,900 for the first hour, Chapel of the Holy Spirit CZK 5,500 for the first hour.

Plan your visit