This paper deals with the problems of the interpretation of Jan Patočka's heritage, emphasizing the motif of the crisis of Europe. More precisely, the paper is composed of two parts: (1.) Firstly, I want to highlight the unique character of Patočka's work, which causes problems with its publication as well as with its interpretation. (2.) Secondly, I will outline my own way of reading of Patočka's work - emphasizing the motif of the "crisis of Europe", which I propose as a way of understanding Patočka's heritage as a whole.