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Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral: A Testament to Courage

Discover a site of faith and heroism: Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, witness to Czech resilience and Operation Anthropoid's legacy.

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The Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral in Prague's New Town is an important religious site and a poignant memorial to the heroes of Operation Anthropoid. Originally a Catholic church, it became the main Orthodox church in the Czech Republic and played a crucial role in WWII history.

A brief summary to Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral

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

Local tips

  • Visit the crypt to pay respects at the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror and learn about Operation Anthropoid.
  • Note that the National Monument to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror is closed on Mondays.
  • Consider watching the film 'Anthropoid' (2016) before your visit to better understand the historical context.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral is easily accessible by public transport. Take Metro B (yellow line) to Karlovo náměstí station. From there, it's a short walk to Resslova 9a. Alternatively, take a tram to the Karlovo náměstí stop. Several tram lines serve this stop. A single public transport ticket costs 30 CZK.

  • Walking

    From the city center (e.g., Wenceslas Square), the cathedral is approximately a 20-30 minute walk. Head south towards the Vltava River and then continue along Resslova Street. The cathedral will be on your left. Walking is free.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available in Prague. A taxi ride from the city center to the cathedral will typically cost between 200-400 CZK, depending on traffic and surge pricing. Be sure to confirm the price before starting your journey. There is no dedicated taxi stand, so arrange for pickup/drop-off on Resslova Street.

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Discover more about Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral

The Ss. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, located in Prague's Nové Město (New Town), holds a significant place in Czech history and Orthodox Christian faith. Originally built as a Roman Catholic church dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo in the 18th century by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer and Pavel Ignác Bayer, it was later deconsecrated and used as a military depot. In 1921, it was given to the newly formed Czechoslovak Orthodox Church and reconsecrated as the Cathedral of Ss. Cyril and Methodius. The church is dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, two Byzantine missionaries who significantly influenced Slavic culture and are credited with creating the Glagolitic alphabet. According to oral tradition, the site was once home to a small church built by Duke Bořivoj I and dedicated by St. Methodius himself. The cathedral is best known for its role in Operation Anthropoid, the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi official, in 1942. Czech and Slovak paratroopers, trained by the SOE, carried out the assassination and sought refuge in the cathedral's crypt. After being betrayed, they were besieged by the SS. Rather than surrender, the paratroopers fought bravely until they were either killed or committed suicide. The crypt now houses the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror, commemorating their sacrifice. Visitors can see bullet holes preserved in cement as a reminder of the fierce battle. The bravery of the paratroopers and the subsequent retaliation by the Nazis had a profound impact on the Czech people. The Orthodox Church was banned, and many who aided the paratroopers were executed. Today, the cathedral stands as a symbol of resistance and a reminder of the cost of freedom.

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