The 10 Best Churches and Cathedrals in Prague

Prague is famous for having one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, adorned with castles, medieval towers and intricate alleys. But churches and cathedrals are also part of its charm and touring these sites is a good alternative to dive into the history and secrets of the city.

If you are also one of those who enjoy getting lost inside the magnificent buildings of the cities, among the best activities you can do in Prague are visiting the central nave of the Basilica of St. George, getting lost in the cloister of the Cathedral of St. Vitus, surprisingly touring the Church of Cyril and Methodius or detour in Mala Strana to discover the stained glass windows of the Church of St. Nicholas. Are you ready for the adventure?

If you want to visit one of the oldest and most emblematic churches in the Czech capital, then you can't miss St. George's Basilica. This building, located in the heart of Prague Castle, was built more than 1000 years ago and has survived the fires of the twelfth century and the bombings of World War II, so it stands out for its beauty that crosses the Romanesque style with Gothic, but also for its rich history.

The basilica, because of its location, has a close link with the Prague Castle, as it was built inside the walled complex, which has been the center of political and religious power in Bohemia for centuries.

A visit to St. George's Basilica, which is usually included in the best tours to Prague Castle, offers a unique and very complete experience, as it is not only the main pilgrimage site of the city, but also the epicenter of the coronation ceremonies and knight tournaments that were famous during the Middle Ages.

Details of interest

• Price: from 18 euros.
• Location: Hradcany 119, Prague.
• Hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most emblematic attractions of Prague and the entire Czech Republic, standing out as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Eastern Europe. Epicenter of medieval life in the city, it was completed during the twentieth century, almost six centuries after its inauguration.

Among the founding relics of St. Vitus is the tomb of the martyred Prince St. Wenceslas and its interior is striking because it combines Renaissance frescoes with walls decorated with precious stones, which contrasts with other religious buildings in Prague, which usually stand out for sobriety.

Due to its strategic location, visiting St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the best activities you can do in the Prague Castle district, and you can combine this tour with a tour of the Old Royal Palace and the surrounding gardens.

Interesting details

• Price: from 15 euros.
• Location: III. nadvori 48/2, Prague.
• Hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

One of the best alternatives to get to know the baroque style that distinguishes Czech architecture is to visit the Church of St. Nicholas. This temple, located in the Mala Strana district, is a symbol of the artistic splendor that flourished in the region in the 17th century. There you can marvel at the size of the dome and the design of the bell tower that rises above the rooftops of the neighborhood.

Dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari and planned by the architectural brothers Christoph and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, this church is the focal point of Mala Strana, one of the oldest and most picturesque sites in the city, which is also often included in the itinerary of tours of the old town of Prague.

The medieval atmosphere of Mala Strana, with its cobbled streets and hidden gardens, acquires an incomparable beauty during snowy days, so visiting this temple is one of the best plans you can make if you plan to visit Prague in winter

Also, the interior of the Church of St. Nicholas houses a Baroque organ that was used by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart during his stay in Prague. On the other hand, the temple is located near other famous attractions, so you can combine your tour with an itinerary to visit the Charles Bridge or the Petrin Tower.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Malostranske nam, 118, Prague.
• Hours: daily from 9:00 am to 5:45 pm.

The Church of Our Lady of Tyn, with its eighty-meter high Gothic towers, is one of the most recognizable and iconic buildings on the Prague skyline. It is also an important religious center for the locals, making it a must-see during your stay in the city.

Built in commemoration of Jan Hus, who was one of the forerunners of the Protestant Reformation, the high arches of its structure and the details of its interior serve to reflect the medieval splendor that characterized Prague.

Located in the heart of the Old Town, one of Prague's liveliest and most attractive neighborhoods, this temple can be included in an itinerary that also takes you to the Powder Tower and the Astronomical Clock. In addition, nearby you can find some of the best museums in Prague, as is the case of the exhibition of Franz Kafka, one of the most representative characters of the city.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Staromestske nam. 110, Prague.
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

The Church of St. Cyril and Methodius is a place of great historical and emotional significance, both for the local community and for the history of Europe. Although the church was built in the mid-18th century in the Baroque style, it is now known for its association with one of the most heroic and tragic episodes of World War II: Operation Anthropoid.

The church, which served the Orthodox community of Prague, became the final scene of one of the most significant resistances against the Nazi occupation, since in 1942 two Czechoslovak paratroopers carried out an attempt to assassinate Reinhard Heydrich, one of the main architects of the Holocaust. The attempt was successful, as Heydrich was killed, but it triggered a brutal crackdown by the Nazis.

The paratroopers and other resistance fighters sought refuge in the crypt of the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, where they barricaded themselves, but after being betrayed, the Nazi occupation forces discovered their hiding place in the church. However, despite the Nazi superiority in numbers and weapons, the fighters resisted in a fierce firefight. Finally, they preferred to take their own lives rather than be captured by the enemy.

This act of sacrifice turned the crypt of the church into a symbol of the struggle for the freedom of Czechoslovakia and the resistance against fascism. Today, the church houses a memorial honoring the heroes of Operation Anthropoid with commemorative plaques and exhibits detailing the bravery of these fighters.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Karlinske nam, 186, Prague.
• Hours: daily from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Because of its historical importance and its location on Vysehrad Hill, the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul is one of the most prominent churches in Prague. Although its present appearance is mainly neo-Gothic in style, it was initially built with Romanesque influence and modified according to Gothic canons to the style that characterizes it today.

The site of Vysehrad, where the basilica is located, is one of the oldest and most sacred places in Prague. According to legend, Vysehrad was the original settlement of the first Bohemian princes, before Prague Castle became the center of power. The basilica has been an important religious center since its inception, and its interior houses striking frescoes, altars and stained glass windows.

From Vysehrad Hill, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the Vltava River and the old town. Within walking distance of the basilica you will find other attractions such as the Rotunda of St. Martin, which is one of the oldest local Romanesque buildings. If you plan to visit Prague in December, from this site you will have a unique view of the Christmas decorations.

Interesting details

• Price: from 4 euros.
• Location: Stulcova 128, Prague.
• Hours: daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Although not one of the city's best-known attractions, the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola is one of the most beautiful in Prague and a pearl of the Baroque style. Built by the Jesuits in Nove Mesto, it is a testament to the influence the Society of Jesus had in the Czech Republic during the years of the Counter-Reformation.

The exterior of this church is very sober, but the interior is an example of Baroque opulence, especially for the gilded altars and frescoes that cover the ceiling and walls. In addition, it also stands out for the height of its central nave and its altarpiece, which refers to a figure of St. Ignatius surrounded by angels.

Since it is not one of the most visited sites of this destination, in this church you can avoid the crowds that are characteristic of the Cathedral of St. Vitus or the Basilica of St. George and you can make the most of its location to know, nearby, the Dancing House, which is a modern icon of Prague architecture, or some of the best restaurants in Prague, which are often protagonists of the gastronomic tours of the city.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Karlovo nam, 120, Prague.
• Hours: daily from 8:00 am to 6:45 pm.

Prague is a city that suffered fires, had many structural modifications and was rebuilt after World War II, so it is not easy to find a structure that maintains its originality since its construction. However, among the cathedrals, the cathedral of San Clemente has a baroque style that stands out for its elegance and for remaining unchanged since the 18th century.

The cathedral is dedicated to Pope St. Clement, a martyr of early Christianity who was dedicated to promoting sacred art. That is why this temple stands out for its ornamentation and interior frescoes, but also for its exceptional acoustics, which makes this site a frequent venue for classical music concerts. Within the complex you can also visit the Clementinum, famous for its library.

St. Clement's Cathedral is located in the Old Town of Prague and, after touring it, you can walk to the Powder Tower or to the Astronomical Clock, which is undoubtedly the most photographed attraction in the Czech capital.

Interesting details

• Price: from 9 euros.
• Location: Karlova 183, Prague.
• Hours: daily from 5:30 am to 6:00 pm.

If you want to know one of the best kept secrets of Prague, you can not miss the St. Gallus Church. This temple, located in the Old Town, has a Gothic origin, but was later renovated to obtain its current Baroque appearance. This combination of styles makes it a structure unlike any other, especially in its interior.

This church is also an important pilgrimage site because it worships St. Gallus, a missionary saint who was of great importance in the evangelization of Europe and who was present in several eastern countries, making it a religious reference for millions of the faithful throughout the continent.

Likewise, a visit to the Church of St. Gallus will allow you to explore a corner of Prague that has preserved its historical essence over the centuries. Although more modest in size than other temples in the city, it stands out for its authenticity and the intimate atmosphere it offers.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission is free.
• Location: Havelska 539/24, Prague.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 1 pm.

The Church of Our Lady of the Snows is one of the most fascinating and largest churches in Prague. It stands out for its Gothic structure and its history full of religious and cultural symbolism. Founded by Emperor Charles IV, its construction was part of a project to create a monastic complex in the New Town. However, because of the wars it was never finished, remaining unfinished to this day.

The interior of the church, in Gothic style with Baroque influences, stands out for its spaciousness and ornamentation. Although the building was not completely finished, its baroque high altar, which is the tallest in the city, and the frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, are part of a striking heritage. One of the best times to visit this site is during Christmas in Prague, when allegorical masses are offered.

One of the main attractions of this church is its serene and less crowded atmosphere than other famous temples in Prague, which makes it an ideal place for those seeking a quieter visit. In addition, the church has great historical value, as it played an important role during the Counter-Reformation.

Although this temple is usually left out of group tours of the city, you can include it in your itinerary if you decide to book the private tour of Prague, where you can choose which sites to visit.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Jungmannovo nam. 753/18, Prague.
• Hours: daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.