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Church of Our Lady Before Týn: A Gothic Masterpiece in Prague

An iconic Gothic church in Prague's Old Town Square, famed for its towering spires and rich history.

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Dominating Prague's Old Town Square, the Church of Our Lady Before Týn is a striking Gothic church with soaring spires and a rich history. Built from the 14th to the early 16th centuries, it has been the main church of this part of the city since the 14th century. Its iconic towers and intricate architecture make it a must-see landmark.

A brief summary to Church of Our Lady before Týn

  • Tuesday 10 am-12 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-12 pm
  • Friday 10 am-12 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-12 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • The entrance can be tricky to find; it's through a narrow passage between buildings facing Old Town Square.
  • Note the different widths of the two towers, symbolizing the male and female sides of a family.
  • Visit during the week to avoid the largest crowds.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Old Town Square, locate the Týn School building directly in front of the church's facade. Pass through the arched passageway within the Týn School. The entrance to the church is discreetly hidden within this corridor. There is no cost to enter the church.

  • Public Transport

    From Staroměstská metro station (Line A), follow signs towards Old Town Square. Upon reaching the square, walk towards the north side, looking for the Týn School building. Pass through the arched passageway within the Týn School. The entrance to the Church of Our Lady Before Týn is discreetly hidden within this corridor. A 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK, and a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK.

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Discover more about Church of Our Lady before Týn

The Church of Our Lady Before Týn (Kostel Matky Boží před Týnem) is a prominent Gothic church located in Prague's Old Town Square. Its construction began in the mid-14th century and was completed in the early 16th century. The church has been the main religious center of the Old Town since the 14th century. The church replaced an older Romanesque church that no longer met the needs of the growing Old Town district. The two towers that define the Church of Our Lady Before Týn are 80 meters high. Each tower is topped with eight smaller spires. If you look at them carefully, the towers' width is different. The towers are not identical; one is more elaborate and wider, said to represent the stronger side of the family, the man. Inside, the church features a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. The interior was renovated in the Baroque style in the late 17th century after a fire. Visitors can see the altarpieces by Karel Škréta, a tin baptismal font from 1414, and a late Gothic baldachin from 1493. The church also houses the tomb of Tycho Brahe, a famous astronomer. The oldest pipe organ in Prague, built in 1673, is also located here. The main entrance is on the church's west side, accessible through a narrow passage between the houses in front. The northern portal features a Gothic relief sculpture depicting the Crucifixion of Christ. The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a functioning church and is owned by the Roman Catholic parish.

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