Church of Our Lady before Týn

"The Church of the Mother of God before Týn is one of Prague's most significant churches, notable for its rich history and stunning architecture. Originally, it housed a Romanesque church first mentioned in 1135, associated with the merchants' hospital in what is now known as Ungelt. By the 13th century, an early Gothic church was constructed on the site, which later became a stronghold for the Hussites during their uprising. The church, as it stands today, was primarily built in the mid-14th century, with the roof over the nave completed in 1457. During the reign of King Jiří of Poděbrady, the western gable was constructed, featuring a statue of the king inscribed with "Veritas vincit" (Truth wins) and a large golden chalice, believed to be of early Christian origin. This chalice, despite repeated attempts by thieves to steal it, remained untouched, even becoming a nesting site for storks, which ironically contributed to its protection. Throughout the Hussite era, the church was central to their faith, hosting prominent preachers like Konrád Waldhauser and Jan Milič from Kroměříž, with Jan Rokycana serving as the elected Hussite archbishop from 1427. After the Hussites were displaced in 1623, the Jesuits took control, replacing the statue of the king with a figure of the Madonna and adapting the chalice for use in their iconography. The church's northern portal is a stunning example of late Gothic craftsmanship, attributed to the Parler workshop in the 1380s. This portal features intricate relief sculptures depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ, such as the Scourging, the Crowning with Thorns, and the Crucifixion, showcasing the pinnacle of medieval sculpture in the region. Inside, the church is adorned with 19 altars, primarily in the early Baroque style, with the main altar illustrating the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, regarded as one of the most elaborate in the Czech Republic. In 2000, a well-preserved fresco of St. Jerome with a lion from the late 14th century was discovered within the church. The temple is also the final resting place of notable figures, including the astronomer Tycho Brahe, whose impressive stone tombstone can be found inside. The church is characterized by its two distinct spires: one ornate and wider, symbolizing the male lineage of the family. In 1992, a bronze bell weighing 960 kg was installed in the north tower's belfry, replacing the historic bell that had been removed during World War II. The Church of the Mother of God before Týn has been recognized as a national cultural monument since 1962, celebrated for its architectural beauty and historical significance."

"In the 11th century, a Romanesque church was built in the Old Town plaza area for foreign merchants visiting the nearby Týn Courtyard. This was replaced by an early Gothic Church of Our Lady in 1256, which served as the center for the German residents of Old Town Prague. Construction of the current Gothic church began in the 14th century, influenced by Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler. By the early 15th century, the church was nearly complete, with only the roof, gable, and towers remaining unfinished."

"It is one of the most impressive and mysterious Gothic-style sacred buildings in Prague, dominating the Old Town Square. The cathedral is a large gallery of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque works. 👣How to get there: reachable on foot from Astronomical Clock (200m, 3min). Metro stop: Staroměstská,Line A. 🎟️Ticket cost: free donation to contribute to the restoration of the church."