Hundreds of Thousands of People Visit Over a Thousand Churches During "Long Night of Churches" in Europe

Around 300,000 visitors attended the "Long Night of Churches" again this year on May 29th, 2026.The Night of Churches has become a traditional event in the Austria, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic, anticipated by many thousands of interested faithful.
Under the motto "Courage Together," numerous churches across almost all of Austria will open their doors on Friday for the 22nd annual "Long Night of Churches." According to the organizers, more than 1,700 events are currently planned in over 1,000 churches and church-related venues throughout Austria, Czech Republic, and Switzerland.
All Austrian dioceses participated this year, and the "Long Night" also took place simultaneously in eleven cantons of Switzerland, in South Tyrol, and in the Czech Republic.

For Bishop Tiran Petrosyan, chairman of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria ( ÖRKÖ ), the "Long Night" is a "unique celebration of faith and Christian fellowship." In a recent video message, the bishop addresses the current motto, "Courage Together": His faith gives him courage "that God accompanies us even in difficult times." He also draws courage from the church community, "in which we strengthen and support one another." The "Long Night of Churches" demonstrates: "We are not alone!" says Bishop Petrosyan.
The "Long Night" traditionally opens with the ringing of church bells across Austria at 5:50 p.m. With the exception of the Diocese of Feldkirch, which is taking a break in 2026, all Austrian dioceses are participating, as is the Catholic Church in South Tyrol (Diocese of Bolzano-Brixen).

Based on the reactions of visitors and the media, the open spaces of the churches, as well as the accompanying programs prepared, enjoyed great interest from the general public. This year's Night of Churches was accompanied by favorable weather, a peaceful atmosphere, satisfied visitors and the joy of thousands of volunteer organizers.

This year's event focused on a rich cultural and spiritual program. Visitors could experience in individual churches: Guided tours of normally inaccessible places, such as choirs, crypts, or church towers.
Concerts of sacred and classical music , which highlighted the unique acoustics of the sacred spaces.
Workshops not only for families with children, the possibility of personal conversations with clergy and peaceful rest in the silence of the church.

"The Night of Churches is not just about architecture and history, but above all about meeting and building bridges between people. We are pleased that this year too, so many people and families found their way to our churches, looking for peace, inspiration or simply an aesthetic experience," said Zuzana Kakušková, the event coordinator for the Archdiocese of Prague, about the evening.

This year, not only all Austrian dioceses participated in the major ecumenical event, but the "Long Night" also took place simultaneously in eleven cantons of Switzerland, in South Tyrol, and in the Czech Republic.

Sources: https://www.nockostelu.cz/aktuality/1144

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