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Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church: A Testament to Faith and Resistance

Discover a stunning Prague church, honoring Slavic saints and WWII heroes, in the heart of the Karlín district on Karlínské náměstí.

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The Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church in Prague's Karlín district is a striking neo-Romanesque basilica that stands as one of the largest religious buildings in the Czech Republic. Consecrated in 1863, it honors the Slavic missionaries Cyril and Methodius. Beyond its religious significance, the church is renowned for its role in WWII, sheltering the paratroopers who assassinated Reinhard Heydrich.

A brief summary to Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church

  • 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 crypt to pay homage to the Czech paratroopers who resisted the Nazi regime; the National Memorial to the Heroes of the Heydrich Terror is located here.
  • Check out the church's official website for information on services and concerts.
  • Explore Karlínské náměstí, the square where the church is located, and enjoy the local markets and cultural events that often take place there.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Karlínské náměstí is easily accessible by public transport. Take tram lines 3 or 8 to the Karlínské náměstí stop, which is directly in front of the church. Prague offers various public transport tickets, with a 30-minute ticket costing 30 CZK and a 90-minute ticket costing 40 CZK. A 24-hour pass is available for 120 CZK.

  • Walking

    From the city center, such as the Dancing House, walk up Resslova street. Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church is approximately a 20-minute walk. From Prague Main Train Station, it is around 30 minutes walk to Karlínské náměstí.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Prague. A short ride from the city center to Karlínské náměstí will typically cost between 150-250 CZK, depending on traffic and the specific service used. Be sure to confirm the fare or check the app estimate before starting your ride.

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Discover more about Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church

Located on Karlínské náměstí, the Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church is a prominent landmark in Prague's Karlín district. Built in the mid-19th century (1854-1863), this Roman Catholic church is one of the largest religious buildings in the Czech Republic and a significant example of historicist architecture. The church was consecrated on October 18, 1863, marking the 1000th anniversary of Cyril and Methodius' arrival in Bohemia. The church was designed in the Neo-Romanesque style as a basilica with a high nave and two towers. The interior features decorative pillars, intricately painted ceilings, and a baptismal chapel in the Art Nouveau style. Originally built as the Church of St. Charles Borromeo between 1730 and 1740, the church was designed by Kilian Ignac Dientzenhofer and Pavel Ignác Bayer. In 1785, it was converted into a military depot and barracks. In 1935, it was re-established as a church and dedicated to Ss. Cyril and Methodius. The church is also known for its role during World War II, when it served as a hiding place for Czech paratroopers who assassinated Reinhard Heydrich, a high-ranking Nazi official. The crypt of the church became their refuge until they were discovered by the Nazis. The paratroopers fought bravely, but eventually, to avoid capture, they took their own lives. The crypt now serves as a memorial to these heroes. Bullet holes are still visible in the walls. Today, the Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church serves as the main Orthodox church in the Czech Republic. Regular services and occasional classical music concerts are held here.

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