One of the first things we wanted to see in Prague in May of 2018, besides the Charles Bridge, was Old Town Square. I really wanted to see the Astrooligal clock, but it was not working due to repairs and renovations. Sadly this seemed to happen in every country we visited. Even though we didn’t get to see the clock working, I was quite impressed by the Czechoslovak Hussite Church. Also known as The Church of Our Lady before Tyn, it is most likely the second signature landmark in Old Town Square.
This beautiful Christian church separated from the Roman Catholic Church after World War I in former Czechoslovakia. It traces its tradition back to the Hussite reformers and acknowledges Jan Hus (John Huss) as its predecessor. It was well-supported by Czechoslovakia’s first president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, who himself belonged to the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren. The main Protestant denomination in what is now the Czech Republic.
The Church of Our Lady contains mixed Protestant, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and national elements. Classifying it as any single one is disputable. The church describes itself as neo-Hussite. The interior of the church, especially the altar, is one of the most elaborate ones in the Czech Republic; its centerpiece is the portrayal of the rise of the Virgin Mary to Heaven. As you can see the church also has some amazing chandeliers.
We didn’t notice it while there, but the two signature towers are not identical. One of them is more elaborate and wider. Supposedly it represents the stronger part of the family, the man. I have a few thoughts on that but will keep them to myself, lol. Even though they are different, both towers are 80 m high and topped by four small spires. The Church of Our Lady is imposing, dominant, and intimidating at times, especially at night. The two towers are illuminated and often portray a fairytale-like ambiance.
Regrettably, we didn’t make it there at night. We opted to walk along the Charles Bridge again. However, we will definitely be back to Old Town Square and check out the Czechoslovak Hussite Church at night. Hopefully, on our next trip, the clock will be working. Here is a like to their website with more information.
Czechoslovak Hussite Church Visitor Information
Address:
Staroměstské náměstí 1101, Praha 1 – Old Town, 110 00
Phone:
+420 224 190 990
Hours:
Tuesday 10:00 – 13:00 15:00 – 17:00
Wednesday 10:00 – 13:00 15:00 – 17:00
Thursday 10:00 – 13:00 15: 00 – 17:00
Friday 10:00 – 13:00 15:00 – 17:00
Saturday 10:00 – 13:00 15:00 – 17:00
Sunday 10:30 – 12:00
Visiting Rules
The Týn Church is the property of the Roman Catholic Parish near the Church of the Mother of God in front of Týn.
It is not an ordinary public space (it is not a market, a square or a museum).
Visiting traffic is governed by the instructions below. Their non-respect and the deliberate violation will be resolved in cooperation with the Police of the Czech Republic.
Visiting the operation of the temple may be limited during normal opening hours due to special services or technical operational matters, which you will usually find in the news.
A tour is not possible during services.
An explanation of the history of the church is possible only in front of the church.
Preserve the sacred silentium in the temple and respect the custodian’s instructions.
It is forbidden in the church: to photograph, eat, drink, talk, film, touch and manipulate the church furniture in any way. Strict ban on entering the interior of the church with animals.
In everything, it is necessary to respect the instructions of the custodian of the temple.
Tours:
The guide follows the direction, order, and smoothness of the tour.
The recommended maximum group size is 20 people.
It is forbidden to use voice-amplifying devices and to disturb other visitors in an inappropriate manner.
The guide also follows the instructions of the custodian.
The guide takes care of the protection of the interior and equipment of the temple and compliance with fire and safety regulations.
For special tours and reservations of services, notify us by e-mail: dkc@cmail.cz , or on tel: 222 318 186, 602 457 200.
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