More than 200 years, Hořice na Šumavě has been the setting of a unique Passion Play theatre, one of the oldest in Europe.
Come and experience with us an ancient story whose message still speaks to people today, and travel back in time to an era that so strongly shaped the world as we know it.
Buy tickets for this year’s performance!
Buy an e-ticket – 200 CZK
Tickets at the venue – 250 Kč
Seats are not numbered · The performance takes place in all weather
Tickets are available both in advance and at the venue for the performance
The accompanying program is free
The price of an advance e-ticket is 200 CZK.
- You can purchase e-tickets in advance at a discounted price here.
- Purchased e-tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.
The ticket price at the venue is 250 CZK.
- Tickets at the venue can be purchased on the day of the performance at the Passion Theatre ticket office, always one hour before the performance until it begins.
- Tickets will also be available at information centres in surrounding municipalities.
Children under 15, people with disabilities and their companions have free admission.
Make your loved ones happy — you can also purchase a ticket as a gift.
Performance dates for 2026 and celebration of 33 years of the modern Passion Plays
Saturday 06. 06. 2026
- 18:00 Festive Holy Mass in the Church of St. Catherine
- 20:30 Performance of the Hořice Passion Play in the natural amphitheatre
Saturday 13. 06. 2026
- 14:00 Concert by Musica Bohemica in the Church of St. Catherine
- 16:30 Journey through the Hořice Passion Plays (guided walk with Mgr. Jan Palkovič – amphitheatre, Stations of the Cross)
- 19:30 Performance of the Hořice Passion Play in the natural amphitheatre
About the performance
The performance in Hořice na Šumavě takes place in the picturesque setting of the natural amphitheatre of the Passion Theatre. It is performed outdoors in the open air in all weather conditions.
A large covered auditorium is prepared for spectators. The auditorium is wheelchair accessible, and benches with backrests are available for seating. It is advisable, though not necessary, to bring a blanket. Seating is not numbered.
The area is fully equipped, and refreshments are available. In front of the Passion Theatre there is a spacious free parking lot.
Length of the performance: 90 minutes.
Walk around the surroundings
The time before the performance can also be used to visit the Museum of the Passion Plays, located in the cultural centre in the town square, or for a pleasant walk in the surrounding area.
History of the Passion Plays
Regular performances of the Passion Plays were interrupted during the First and Second World Wars. After the post-war revival of the Passion Plays, they were banned in 1948 by the communist regime.
In 1992 the Hořice Passion Plays were revived, and in 1997 they received the Award for the Development of Local Civic Activities from the Patria Foundation and Místo v srdci at Prague Castle.
Cultural heritage
The Hořice Passion Plays are an important cultural heritage that has far exceeded the borders not only of the Český Krumlov region and Šumava, but also of our country.
The fame of the Passion Plays at the time attracted the attention of American filmmakers, who in 1897 filmed the Hořice Passion Play film, the first narrative film shot in the territory of today’s Czech Republic. The film premiered the same year in Philadelphia and the following year in New York.
The Passion Theatre in Hořice na Šumavě is unique especially because it is performed mainly by amateur enthusiasts who come not only from Hořice but also from other parts of our country. The uniqueness of the performance is further highlighted by the remarkable music by Jaroslav Krček as well as by the number of performers, which reaches several dozen.
The story of the final days of Jesus Christ begins with Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem and ends with the scene of the Resurrection of Christ.
You can read more about the history of the Passion Theatre here.
Who supports us
The project is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic, the National Institute of Folk Culture, the South Bohemian Region, the South Bohemian Museum in České Budějovice, the Regional Museum in Český Krumlov, the Market Town of Hořice na Šumavě and many other supporters.
