New appearance of the Sts. Peter and Paul Rotunda at Starý Plzenec

After more than 30 years in the waiting, the pre-Romanesque Rotunda of Sts. Peter and Paul at Starý Plzenec near Pilsen has undergone a complete and extensive reconstruction.

This National Cultural Monument is, according to some sources, the oldest complete ecclesiastic monument extant in the Czech Republic.

The rotunda was apparently established in the second half of the 10th century as part of a Slavonian fortification above the River Úslava. The building gradually fell into disrepair, however, and it apparently collapsed at some time in the 15th century, leaving only the remains of its substructure and the apse wall. The owners subsequently made repairs in the second half of the 16th century that changed the original shape. Approximately two centuries later, the threat of dissolution hovered over the church, and it was submitted to the list of ecclesiastical properties designated for demolition. It was apparently rescued from this fate, however, as in the first half of the 19th century it was still in use as a storehouse for gunpowder used in the evolving mining industry.

The town bought the rotunda in 1920 and, several years later, the first repairs finally began. A total reconstruction process subsequently went ahead from the mid-1970s. It was at this time that the windows of the rotunda were fitted with strengthened glass, the floor was refitted with copies of the original floor tiles (with images of the Emperor Nero and griffins), a new pseudo-soffit was erected, a slate roof fitted and the doors covered with copper panelling. The Renaissance altar table (mensa) was also renovated.

In 1993, a small display of copies of the most interesting archaeological findings and a diagram of the complete fortification was installed inside the rotunda.
Since then, the final reconstruction included extensive repairs to the roof and entrance doors and the addition of new gilding to the top-piece, the so-called axe-headed Slavonian cross.
Defective wall pointing and the perimeter gutter pavement were also repaired, as well as the interior of the rotunda.

Presently, the building is used for annual ecclesiastical parades, as well as wedding services and concerts. There is a beautiful view from the rotunda over the whole town of Starý Plzenec and of Radyně Castle, a dominant feature of the Pilsen landscape.
It is necessary to telephone in advance to arrange a tour. Guided tours are available for a minimum of 6 people.