Loreto: A Baroque Pilgrimage Site in Prague
Discover Prague's Loreto: A stunning Baroque pilgrimage site with a replica of the Holy House, a treasury, and a famous carillon.
Loreto in Prague is a captivating Baroque pilgrimage site that echoes the renowned Italian sanctuary of Loreto. Founded in 1626 by Katerina Benigna of Lobkowicz, the complex was designed as a replica of the Santa Casa, believed to be the Virgin Mary's home transported from Nazareth. According to legend, angels carried the house to Loreto, Italy, saving it from the advancing Turks. The Prague Loreto features a central courtyard surrounded by arcades, chapels, and churches. The Santa Casa replica is adorned with 17th-century frescoes and reliefs depicting the Virgin Mary's life. Inside, a wooden effigy of Our Lady of Loreto graces an ornate silver altar. The Loreto complex includes the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord, designed by Kristof Dientzenhofer in 1737, known for its unique interior and disquieting relics. One of Loreto's highlights is its treasury, boasting a collection of religious objects from the 16th to 18th centuries. The most famous artifact is the Prague Sun, a diamond monstrance embellished with 6,222 diamonds. The tower houses a carillon with 27 Dutch bells that play the Baroque Marian melody 'We Greet Thee a Thousand Times' every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The carillon, created in Amsterdam in the 17th century, is a rare surviving Baroque musical instrument. Visiting Loreto offers a unique glimpse into Prague's religious history and artistic heritage.
Local tips
- Listen for the hourly carillon chime between 10 AM and 5 PM to hear the Baroque Marian melody.
- Visit the Loreto Treasury to see the Prague Sun, a monstrance adorned with thousands of diamonds.
- Explore the Church of the Nativity of Our Lord to view its unique Baroque architecture and relics.
A brief summary to Loreto
- Loretánské nám. 7, Prague 1-Hradčany, 118 00, CZ
- +420737639049
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Getting There
-
Public Transport
To reach Loreto, take tram 22 or 91 to the Pohořelec stop. From there, walk downhill on Loretánské náměstí for about 5 minutes. Loreto will be on your left. A single 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK.
-
Walking
From Prague Castle, walk east through Hradčany towards Loretánské náměstí. The walk is approximately 10 minutes. You'll find Loreto on the north side of the square.
-
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Prague. A short taxi ride from Prague Castle to Loreto will cost approximately 90-120 CZK, including the base fare and per kilometer charge. Ensure the taxi meter is running.
