Open Temples 2026

The Open Temples project enters its tenth season in 2026. Since 2017, it has opened dozens of churches and sacred monuments of the Ostrava-Opava Diocese to the public with extended opening hours and expert guidance. This season, 57 temples will participate, including two Protestant churches – the Church of the Silesian Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Orlová and Christ Church (the so-called Red Church) in Ostrava. Most buildings are open from May to September, with selected ones open year-round. Entry to all participating churches and guided tours are free of charge. Guides are mostly local priests, students, seniors, and volunteers who introduce visitors to the history, architecture, and spiritual significance of each place. The project is financially supported by the Moravian-Silesian Region.

A major highlight of this season is the reopening of the Basilica of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary in Frýdek-Místek after extensive renovation, including a newly accessible crypt – the basilica will be open daily except Mondays. A new pilgrimage route has also been created connecting the basilica with the Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Hájek. Among the project's permanent fixtures are, for example, the Church of the Holy Trinity in Fulnek, the chapel on Radhošť, the pilgrimage church in Cvilín, and parish churches in Štramberek, Hukvaldy, and Hradec nad Moravicí. A complete list of participating churches is available at www.otevrenechramy.cz. 2026 is also a jubilee year for the diocese – it celebrates 30 years since its founding.