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Church of Our Lady of the Snows: A Gothic Fragment in Prague's New Town

Discover Prague's towering Gothic fragment, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, a testament to grand ambitions and rich history in the heart of New Town.

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Founded in 1347 by Charles IV, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows was intended to be Prague's largest church, rivaling St. Vitus Cathedral. However, only the chancel was completed, resulting in its unique, towering appearance. The church boasts the highest vault in Prague and a rich history intertwined with the Hussite Wars and Franciscan order.

A brief summary to Church of Our Lady of the Snows

  • Monday 8 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-7 pm
  • Friday 8 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the adjacent Franciscan Garden for a peaceful retreat and a unique perspective of the church's architecture.
  • Explore the church's interior to witness the contrast between its Gothic origins and Baroque additions.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the towering high altar, the tallest in Prague.
  • Look for the remains of the great bell-tower on the western side of the northern aisle.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Church of Our Lady of the Snows is easily accessible by public transport. Take Metro Line B (yellow line) to Národní třída station. From the station, walk east on Národní třída, then turn left onto Jungmannovo náměstí. The church entrance is a short walk from the square. A single journey ticket costs approximately 40 CZK.

  • Walking

    If you are near Wenceslas Square or in Prague's New Town, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows is within walking distance. Head towards Jungmannovo náměstí. The church is located just off the square, accessible through an archway. Note that it's somewhat hidden from the main square due to surrounding buildings.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Prague. A taxi ride from the city center to the church will be a short trip. Expect to pay a base fare of 60 CZK, plus 36 CZK per kilometer. Uber and other ride-sharing services also operate in Prague. Be sure the taxi is using a meter.

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Discover more about Church of Our Lady of the Snows

The Church of Our Lady of the Snows, or Panny Marie Sněžné in Czech, stands in Prague's New Town as a testament to grand ambitions and historical vicissitudes. Founded in 1347 by Emperor Charles IV, it was envisioned as the second-largest church in Prague, surpassing even St. Vitus Cathedral. However, the Hussite Wars in the 15th century brought construction to a halt, leaving only the presbytery completed. What remains is a striking example of Gothic architecture, characterized by its soaring height; its vaults reach 34 meters, the highest in Prague. The church's unusual proportions—taller than it is long—are best appreciated from the adjacent Franciscan Garden, a peaceful oasis amidst the city bustle. The interior features a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, with the towering Baroque high altar providing a dramatic contrast to the Gothic architecture. The altar is the tallest in Prague, standing at 29 meters. The church's name is derived from a 4th-century legend in Rome, where the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream, instructing a merchant to build a church on a spot where snow would fall in the summer. This led to the construction of the Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the Prague church shares the same dedication. The altar of Our Lady of the Snows features a painting depicting this legend. Throughout its history, the church has been administered by various religious orders, including the Carmelites and Franciscans. It was once a Hussite stronghold, with Jan Želivský, a key figure in the Hussite movement, preaching here. In 1611, fourteen friars were murdered during an attack, and were beatified in 2012. Despite the turbulent times, the Church of Our Lady of the Snows has remained a significant religious and historical landmark in Prague.

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