St. Johns' Church, Brno

The Church of Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist, commonly known as Saint Johns' church (Kostel Svatých Janů), is a significant Roman Catholic church located in the historical center of Brno. Established in the 13th century, the church was originally built by the Minorite Order as part of a larger monastic complex. This complex, including the Loreto Chapel, has been recognized as a listed cultural monument of the Czech Republic since 1958.

Over the centuries, Saint Johns' Church has undergone several architectural transformations, evolving from its original Gothic style to incorporate Baroque elements, particularly during the Baroque period when significant changes were led by the architect Moritz Grimm. One of Grimm's notable contributions was the addition of the Loreto Chapel, an imitation of the Holy Family's house, and the construction of a new church over this chapel. The Loreto Chapel within the church contains the Holy Stairs, a replica of the staircase in Jerusalem that Jesus is believed to have ascended to reach Pontius Pilate.

The church has a single nave with a prolonged chancel, a design typical of mendicant orders like the Minorites, who have maintained an unbroken presence at this site in Brno for almost 800 years. Saint Johns' Church holds a special place in the hearts of the local community, not only for its architectural beauty and historical significance but also for its enduring traditions, including its role in baptisms and other religious ceremonies. The church continues to be a dominant and cherished landmark in Brno, reflecting the city's rich religious and cultural heritage.