In a significant shift from its past, Neratovice, a city in the Czech Republic, is on the verge of constructing what could be the world’s largest 3D-printed church. This development comes in stark contrast to the former communist regime’s plans to make Neratovice the first church-free city in Czechoslovakia.
The future Church of the Holy Trinity will feature a tower built using 3D printing technology, although a decision on whether the entire church will be 3D-printed is expected early in 2026, pending evaluation of the building’s structure. Marek Matocha from the Neratovice Community Center Foundation has indicated that this decision is approaching.
Celebrated architect Zdeněk Fránek has designed the church, inspired by Noah’s Ark, which aims to be a pioneering model in construction innovation, as highlighted by Forbes Czech. The church, set for a community center and childcare facilities, was formally initiated in 2024 after the cornerstone was blessed by Archbishop Jan Graubner of Prague.
Financially, the project is projected to cost 204 million Czech crowns (over $8 million), with funding from various donors already in place. Local parish administrator Father Peter Kováč believes that 3D printing may offer both savings and a novel architectural solution. Currently, the local Catholic community celebrates Mass in a smaller chapel.
The architectural design consists of 520 wavelike, 3D-printed blocks that have acoustic properties and are set to be assembled like a puzzle. This church represents not just a construction endeavor but also a historical revival, as Cardinal Josef Beran, who died in exile after resisting the communist regime, is honored through this initiative.
Tomáš Zdechovský, a Member of the European Parliament, lauded the project as a milestone for Neratovice, a town founded by the communist government in 1957, which has never had a church. This effort holds particular significance for local Roman Catholics who have long desired a place of worship, marking a hopeful transition into a more open and religiously free society.