Neratovice, an industrial Czech town founded by communists in 1957 to be the country’s first city without a church, is now assembling the world’s largest 3D-printed house of worship. The Holy Trinity Church uses 520 generatively designed concrete blocks that fit together like puzzle pieces, with construction beginning in December 2025. The project, costing approximately $8.5 to $10 million and partly funded by donations, represents a symbolic reversal for a Catholic community that has sought a church since 1990, with the innovative technology reducing both construction costs and material waste compared to traditional building methods.
In the industrial town of Neratovice, Czech Republic, construction workers have begun assembling what will become the world’s largest 3D-printed church, a project that carries particular significance for a community once targeted by communist authorities to remain permanently without a house of worship. The town, founded by the communist regime in 1957 and home to approximately 16,000 residents, was historically intended to be the first church-free city in the country.
Neratovice, once designed to be the Czech Republic’s first church-free city, now hosts the world’s largest 3D-printed church.
The Holy Trinity Church features an ark-shaped design conceived by architect Zdeněk Fránek, inspired by Noah’s Ark. The structure comprises 520 generatively designed 3D-printed concrete blocks that assemble like puzzle pieces. Interior vaults include wave-shaped textures serving both decorative and acoustic functions, while double vaults echo the design of Florence’s Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral dome. Natural light penetrates throughout the structure, symbolizing openness and unboundedness. The project’s emphasis on religious continuity reflects the Bible’s themes of covenant and sacred space found in Israel’s biblical heritage.
Construction of the main nave began in December 2025, representing a reversal for the town’s Catholic community, which has sought a church since 1990. The Archdiocese of Prague facilitates the project through the Neratovice Community Center Foundation. A test installation of the interior vault was planned for December 2025, with a decision on whether to 3D-print the entire above-ground structure expected in early 2026.
The 3D printing technology eliminates the need for traditional plasterwork and substantially reduces concrete consumption compared to conventional construction methods. The custom-developed printing approach allows individual components to be produced and assembled sequentially, helping to control costs. The structural elements are produced with a concrete 3D printer, with individual printed pieces assembled like a giant puzzle.
Total construction costs are estimated at 204 million Czech crowns, approximately $8.5 to $10 million. Roughly one-third of the project cost has been secured through donations, with the technology expected to keep expenses lower than traditional methods would require.
The facility will serve as both a place of worship and community center, named after Cardinal Josef Beran. The basement includes rooms for concerts and seminars, providing what organizers describe as a significant social dimension. Currently, Catholic masses are being held in a chapel while construction proceeds. Organizers maintain a system status indicator showing the project is fully operational.
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