Politics / Germany

3D-Printed Church in Neratovice, Czech Republic

A church is being 3D-printed in Neratovice, Czech Republic, marking the first large-scale house of worship constructed with concrete printing technology. This innovative project aims to address the needs of a growing Catholic congregation in a town historically devoid of a church.
dw_news • 2026-05-10T08:00:52Z
Source material: A High-Tech Printed Church in Czechia | DW News
Summary
A church is being 3D-printed in Neratovice, Czech Republic, marking the first large-scale house of worship constructed with concrete printing technology. This innovative project aims to address the needs of a growing Catholic congregation in a town historically devoid of a church. The local community, which has relied on neighboring towns for worship, seeks a larger facility to accommodate its expanding congregation. The church will also function as a community center, serving both religious and secular purposes. To fund the construction, the congregation must raise 8.5 million euros, with half of that amount still needed. Despite the financial challenges, there is optimism about the project's potential to enhance community engagement. The 3D printing process involves creating 900 panels for the church's nave, with each panel taking less than an hour to print. This method showcases innovative building techniques in a predominantly secular nation.
Perspectives
Supporters of the 3D-Printed Church
  • Highlight the innovative use of technology to meet community needs
  • Emphasize the dual purpose of the church as a community center
Skeptics of the Project
  • Question the long-term acceptance of a 3D-printed structure in a traditional community
  • Express concerns about the adequacy of funding and community support
Neutral / Shared
  • Acknowledge the historical context of Neratovice lacking a church
  • Recognize the financial challenges in raising the necessary funds
Metrics
8.5 million euros EUR
total construction costs
The funding goal reflects the financial commitment required to establish the church
the congregation must raise some 8.5 million euros to cover construction costs.
900 panels units
of panels for the nave
the 3D printer is to turn out 900 of these panels for the nave alone.
10%
percentage of Czech population identifying as Christian
Only around 10% of the Czech population identify as Christian.
Key entities
Countries / Locations
Germany
Themes
#3d_printing • #community_center • #czech_church
Key developments
Phase 1
A church is being 3D-printed in Neratovice, Czech Republic, marking the first large-scale house of worship constructed with concrete printing technology. The project aims to raise 8.5 million euros, with half of the funding still needed, and will serve both religious and secular purposes.
  • A church is being 3D-printed in Neratovice, Czech Republic, representing the first large-scale house of worship built with concrete printing technology
  • The local Catholic congregation, previously reliant on churches in nearby towns, is expanding and needs a larger facility for worship and community events
  • The construction project aims to raise 8.5 million euros, with half of the funding still required, while also serving secular functions to enhance community engagement
  • The 3D printing process will produce 900 panels for the churchs nave, with each panel taking under an hour to print, highlighting innovative building methods in a largely secular environment