The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a Gothic parish church located on Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic. Construction began in the mid-14th century and continued into the early 16th century, resulting in a structure that reflects the mature Gothic style of Bohemia. Its twin 80-meter towers dominate the Old Town skyline and have become one of the defining architectural features of Prague’s historic center. The church was closely associated with the Hussite movement in the 15th century and later returned to Roman Catholic administration following the Battle of White Mountain in 1620. Over time, Baroque interior elements were added while the Gothic exterior remained largely intact. Today, the church functions as an active parish and a major historical monument within Prague’s UNESCO-listed historic core.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Sandstone, Brick, Plaster
- Civilization
- Bohemian
- Accessibility
- Limited wheelchair access due to steps at entrance
- Date(s)
- c. 1365 - 1511 CE
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active parish church
- Original Function
- Parish church serving Old Town merchants and residents
- Key Figures
- Matthias of Arras, Petr Parler, Jan Rokycana
Origins and Gothic Construction
14th centuryConstruction began around 1365 on the site of an earlier Romanesque church. Influenced by the architectural developments at St. Vitus Cathedral, the design incorporated high vaulted ceilings, pointed arches, and flying buttresses. Work progressed gradually due to political and economic conditions.
Hussite Period
15th centuryDuring the Hussite Wars, the church became a principal Hussite center in Prague. Jan Rokycana, a leading Hussite theologian, served as archbishop there. A statue of the Hussite king George of Poděbrady once adorned the façade before being removed following the Catholic restoration.
Catholic Restoration and Baroque Additions
17th-18th centuryAfter the defeat of the Protestant estates at the Battle of White Mountain in 1620, the church was returned to Roman Catholic control. Interior modifications included Baroque altars, paintings, and decorative elements that complemented the Gothic structural framework.
Modern Preservation
19th century - presentRestoration campaigns in the 19th and 20th centuries aimed to preserve the Gothic exterior and stabilize structural elements. The church remains an active place of worship and a central monument within Prague’s protected historic district.