Church of Our Lady before Týn

Prague, Czech Republic

The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague and has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church's towers are 80 m high and topped by four small spires.

In the 11th century, this area was occupied by a Romanesque church, which was built there for foreign merchants coming to the nearby Týn Courtyard. Later it was replaced by an early Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn in 1256. Construction of the present church began in the 14th century in the late Gothic style under the influence of Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler. By the beginning of the 15th century, construction was almost complete; only the towers, the gable and roof were missing. The church was controlled by Hussites for two centuries, including John of Rokycan, future archbishop of Prague, who became the church's vicar in 1427. The roof was completed in the 1450s, while the gable and northern tower were completed shortly thereafter during the reign of George of Poděbrady (1453–1471). His sculpture was placed on the gable, below a huge golden chalice, the symbol of the Hussites. The southern tower was not completed until 1511, under architect Matěj Rejsek.

After the lost Battle of White Mountain (1620) began the era of harsh recatholicisation (part of the Counter-Reformation). Consequently, the sculptures of 'heretic king' George of Poděbrady and the chalice were removed in 1626 and replaced by a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, with a giant halo made from by melting down the chalice. In 1679 the church was struck by lightning, and the subsequent fire heavily damaged the old vault, which was later replaced by a lower baroque vault.

Renovation works carried out in 1876–1895 were later reversed during extensive exterior renovation works in the years 1973–1995. Interior renovation is still in progress.

The northern portal is a wonderful example of Gothic sculpture from the Parler workshop, with a relief depicting the Crucifixion. The main entrance is located on the church's western face, through a narrow passage between the houses in front of the church.

The early baroque altarpiece has paintings by Karel Škréta from around 1649. The oldest pipe organ in Prague stands inside this church. The organ was built in 1673 by Heinrich Mundt and is one of the most representative 17th-century organs in Europe.

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Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Religious sites in Czech Republic

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Angela Stinson (3 months ago)
Absolutely beautiful!! ? It's free to go inside, but we paid for the classical concert in the evening, and it was absolutely heavenly! The acoustics were amazing!!??? We highly recommend attending one of the concerts there!!
Çınarla Geziyoruz (3 months ago)
The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a stunning Gothic masterpiece that dominates Prague’s Old Town Square. Its twin spires are truly iconic, and the intricate details of the exterior are mesmerizing. Inside, the beauty continues with impressive altars and artwork. Whether you’re admiring it from the square or stepping inside to explore, this church is a must-see for anyone visiting Prague.
Buster Got it (3 months ago)
The second most iconic structure in the Old Town, next to the Old Town Astronomical Clock! Beautiful gothic spired church (Notice one of the spires is slimmer than the other?). The Church of the Mother of God before Týn (in Czech Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem, also Týnský chrám ("Týn Church") or just Týn), or Church of Our Lady before Týn, is a Gothic church and a dominant feature of the Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic. It has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. The church's two towers are 80 m high, and each tower's spire is topped by eight smaller spires in two layers of four.. In the 11th century, the Old Town plaza area was occupied by a Romanesque church, which was built for foreign merchants coming to the nearby Týn Courtyard.[1] It was replaced by an early Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn in 1256. The church became the center of the German inhabitants of Prague's Old Town.[2] Construction of the present church began in the 14th century. The church was designed in the late Gothic style under the influence of Matthias of Arras and later Peter Parler. By the beginning of the 15th century, construction was almost complete; only the towers, the gable and roof were missing. The church was controlled by Hussites for two centuries, including John of Rokycan, future archbishop of Prague, who became the church's vicar in 1427. The building was completed in the 1450s, while the gable and northern tower were completed shortly thereafter during the reign of George of Poděbrady (1453–1471). His sculpture was placed on the gable, below a huge golden chalice, the symbol of the Hussites. The southern tower was not completed until 1511, under architect Matěj Rejsek. The lost Battle of White Mountain (1620) ushered in an era of harsh recatholicisation (part of the Counter-Reformation). Consequently, the sculptures of "heretic king" George of Poděbrady and the chalice were removed in 1626 and replaced by a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, featuring a giant halo made by melting down the chalice. In 1679 the church was struck by lightning, and the subsequent fire heavily damaged the old vault, which was later replaced by a lower Baroque vault. Renovation works carried out in 1876–1895 were later reversed during extensive exterior renovation works in the years 1973–1995. Interior renovation is still in progress.
Angel Love (4 months ago)
Church of Our Lady before Týn, If You Could See You (Through My Eyes), you would see that you are breathtaking! Your Gothic architecture is magnificent. Yes, I see your True Colors! Thank you for the sign written like a ribbon in the sky, the sign of an ancient promise like a rainbow smiling from beyond traversing a rainbow bridge. Děkuju!
Lisa Young (5 months ago)
Beautiful 14th century church with the oldest organ in Prague dating 1673. Saw my first classical concert here with no regret! The music and sounds danced wonderfully in the church. A 100% must go especially for the concert.
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