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Church of St. Ignatius: Baroque Splendor in Prague's New Town

Discover Baroque splendor at the Church of St. Ignatius in Prague's New Town, a testament to Jesuit history and artistic grandeur on Charles Square.

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The Church of St. Ignatius, an early Baroque masterpiece, stands proudly on Charles Square in Prague's New Town. Built in the late 17th century as part of the city's Jesuit complex, it boasts a lavish interior adorned with ornate stucco work, statues of Jesuit and Czech saints, and a controversial statue of St. Ignatius with a halo.

A brief summary to Church of St. Ignatius

  • Monday 8 am-6:45 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6:45 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6:45 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6:45 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6:45 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-6:45 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-6:45 pm

Local tips

  • Take your time to admire the intricate stucco work and statues inside the church.
  • Look for the statue of St. Ignatius on the facade, noting the controversial halo.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Charles Square and explore other nearby attractions in New Town.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Church of St. Ignatius is easily accessible by public transport. Take Metro Line B (yellow line) to Karlovo náměstí station. From the station, it's a short walk to the church, which is located directly on Charles Square. A short-trip metro ticket costs approximately 40 CZK and is valid for 90 minutes. Tram lines also stop at Karlovo náměstí. Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

  • Walking

    If you are already in New Town, walking to the Church of St. Ignatius is a pleasant way to explore the area. The church is located on Karlovo náměstí, a central square easily reached from many points in the vicinity. Look for signs directing you to Karlovo náměstí. From Wenceslas Square, head southwest along Vodičkova or Štěpánská streets. The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes, offering a chance to see the charming streets of Prague.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available in Prague. A short taxi ride from the city center to the Church of St. Ignatius will typically cost between 150-250 CZK. Be sure the driver is using a meter or agree on a fare beforehand. Electric taxis in the city center may have slightly higher rates.

  • Car

    If driving, enter the address 'Karlovo nám., 120 00 Nové Město' into your GPS. Note that parking in the area is limited. Paid parking garages are available nearby, such as 'Parking Rudolfinum' or 'Parkoviště Národní'. Expect to pay approximately 40 CZK per hour. Central Parking Prague is another option at Karlovo nám. 292/15.

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Discover more about Church of St. Ignatius

The Church of St. Ignatius, or Kostel svatého Ignáce in Czech, is a striking example of early Baroque architecture located on Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí) in Prague's New Town. Constructed between 1665 and 1677 by architect Carlo Lurago, it was part of the third-largest Jesuit complex in Europe. The church is dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order. Despite the Jesuits' reputation for asceticism, the church is known for its opulent interior. Inside, visitors are greeted by a stunning display of stucco decorations, statues of Jesuit and Czech saints, and vibrant frescoes. The decorative painting was done by Jan Jiří Heinsch, and the sculptures are the work of Matěj Václav Jäckel, who also contributed to the Charles Bridge. A niche with the Virgin Mary is a particularly beautiful element. One of the most notable features is the statue of St. Ignatius Loyola on the facade, installed in 1671. What made this statue controversial at the time was the halo surrounding his entire body, an honor typically reserved only for depictions of Jesus Christ. The Jesuits, however, were powerful enough to have this unorthodox design approved. The church also features an inscription on the tympanum: "MAIORI DEI GLORIAE et SANCTI IGNAZII HONORI PIAETAS EREXIT," which translates to “Built to the greatness of God's glory and the honourable, pious St Ignatius”. The large letters in the inscription indicate the Roman numerals for the year 1671, when the statue of St. Ignatius was placed on the church's roof. The Church of St. Ignatius has witnessed many historical events, including the Thirty Years' War and the National Revival, each leaving its mark on the church's rich history. Today, the Church of St. Ignatius is a popular place of worship and a significant cultural landmark, inviting visitors to explore its spiritual heritage and admire its artistic beauty.

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