The Most Beautiful Churches In Prague

Prague has some of the most memorable churches in Europe, if not the world. Chief among them is the gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn in Old Town Square, but the capital of the Czech Republic boasts a number of other well-known and elaborate romanesque and baroque churches, as well as beautiful medieval chapels that are worth seeking out. Here are the most beautiful churches in Prague.

1. Church of Our Lady Victorious

Church

The Church of Our Lady Victorious is in the hillside Malá Strana neighbourhood, on the west bank of the Vltava. Built in 1613, it was the first baroque church in Prague and is draped in smooth marble and gold. It is well known for the wax effigy of the baby Jesus, also known as the Infant of Prague. A section of the church is dedicated to a display of this effigy, alongside the many ornate gowns and gifts left behind down the centuries.

2. St George's Basilica at Prague Castle

Building, Church

St George’s Basilica is one of the oldest churches in the Czech Republic. Part of Prague Castle, it was built in a romanesque style, though a fire damaged the church in 1142, and baroque elements were later added. A number of tombs are located in the church, including those of ancient rulers of the country. The basilica has an old-world charm that makes it a vital part of any visit to Prague Castle.

3. St Vitus Cathedral at Prague Castle

Building, Cathedral, Church

This cathedral is also part of Prague Castle, a gothic masterpiece that took centuries to finish. It is a symbol of pride for the Czech Republic, not only because of its stunning, grand architecture, but also because of the amount of time and work it took to build it. The Great South Tower is more than 90m (295ft) tall with 287 steps and sweeping views over the city.

4. St Nicholas's Church, Malá Strana

Bridge, Church, Cathedral

St Nicholas’s Church on Malá Strana Square is one of three St Nicholas churches in Prague. Its architecture is baroque in style and the church is decorated with many paintings, statues and frescoes. The green copper roof is reminiscent of the Sacré Coeur in Paris and enriches the city skyline with a flourish of colour. Interestingly, Mozart played the organs in this church in the year 1787. The church tower offers lovely views over the adjacent square and the Vltava river.

5. Church of Our Lady Before Týn

Church

The Church of Our Lady Before Týn is in Old Town Square and is one of the most recognisable churches in Prague. The two spires are not symmetrical and are meant to represent femininity and masculinity, a trope of gothic architecture. The church has a stunning interior and one of the most notable Czech painters, Karl Škréta, provided the church with a beautiful painting of the Virgin Mary which is displayed above the main altar.

6. St Martin in the Wall Church

Church

This church gets its name from the fact that its south side is attached to Prague Castle. St Martin in the Wall Church was used for residential purposes in the 19th century and parts of it also served as shops, until it was renovated and reopened as a church in around 1905. It has elements of romanesque, gothic and baroque architecture and, though not as grand as some of the other churches of Prague, it has plenty of charm.

7. St Salvator Church at Charles Bridge

Church, Cathedral

A landmark that thousands of tourists pass every year on their walk to the Charles Bridge, St Salvator Church is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also has great historical significance, being the former largest residence of the Jesuits. It is considered one of the most valuable early baroque remnants in Prague. The church has two incredible organs which have recently been restored, so be sure to try and catch a concert here if you can.

8. Bethlehem Chapel

Building

Simple yet wonderful, the Bethlehem Chapel has a quiet, peaceful charm. The church was founded in 1391 and the current building’s pared-back medieval style is different from the many ornate romanesque and baroque churches of Prague. It is closely associated with Czech reformer Jan Hus, the main protagonist in the Bohemian Reformation.

9. St Giles's Church

Church, Cathedral

In a narrow street not far from Old Town Square, this stunning 13th-century church is well worth seeking out. The detailed interior shows talented craft and will leave you in awe, while the amazing acoustics make a classical concert at St Giles’s an unforgettable experience.

10. Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius

Cathedral, Church, Museum

Inside St Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, Prague

Two very important figures in Czech history are Christian missionaries Cyril and Methodius, who took the Cyrillic alphabet with them on their travels and introduced it to many countries, among them the country now known as the Czech Republic. The Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius was built between 1854 and 1863 to honour the anniversary of the saints’ arrival in the country and is a symbol of national pride as well as a religious sanctuary.

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