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Bethlehem Chapel: A Bastion of Czech Reformation

Explore the Bethlehem Chapel in Prague: a pivotal site in Czech history, Reformation origins, and the legacy of Jan Hus. A National Cultural Monument.

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The Bethlehem Chapel in Prague's Old Town is a significant historical site linked to the Bohemian Reformation and reformer Jan Hus. Founded in 1391, it served as a venue for sermons in the Czech language, promoting reformist ideas. Demolished in 1786, it was reconstructed in the 1950s and now stands as a National Cultural Monument.

A brief summary to The Bethlehem Chapel

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary seasonally. The chapel is open daily, but closing times differ between April-October and November-March.
  • Consider attending a concert or cultural event held in the chapel to experience its unique atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Bethlehem Square (Betlémské náměstí) and the surrounding Old Town.
  • Learn about Jan Hus before your visit to fully appreciate the chapel's historical significance.
  • Public transport is recommended due to limited parking in the Old Town.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Bethlehem Chapel is located on Betlémské náměstí in Prague's Old Town, a short walk from Old Town Square. From the square, head south and follow the signs for Betlémské náměstí. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. Note that the Old Town area is primarily pedestrianized.

  • Public Transport

    The closest metro station is Národní třída (Line B). From there, walk north along Spálená street, then turn right onto Mikulandská street, followed by a left onto Betlémské náměstí. Alternatively, take tram lines 17 or 18 to Karlovy lázně. From there, walk east along Smetanovo nábřeží, then turn left onto Liliová street and continue onto Betlémské náměstí. A single public transport ticket costs 30 CZK for 30 minutes or 40 CZK for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Taxis and rideshares can drop you off directly at Betlémské náměstí. Be aware that traffic in the Old Town can be heavy, and some areas are pedestrian-only. A short taxi ride from the city center will likely cost between 200-400 CZK.

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Discover more about The Bethlehem Chapel

The Bethlehem Chapel (Betlémská kaple) stands as a powerful symbol of Czech religious and cultural history. Founded in 1391 by Hanuš of Mühlheim and Jan Kříž, it broke with tradition by holding sermons in Czech, rather than Latin or German. This made it a vital center for the emerging Bohemian Reformation. The chapel is named after the biblical Bethlehem, commemorating the infants massacred by King Herod. The chapel's significance grew immensely when Jan Hus, a key figure in the pre-Reformation movement, began preaching here in 1402. His sermons, critical of the Catholic establishment, drew large crowds and fueled the Hussite movement. Hus's teachings challenged the authority of the Pope and advocated for moral reform within the Church. His eventual execution for heresy in 1415 solidified the chapel's place as a symbol of Czech resistance and national identity. After a tumultuous history, including periods of Catholic control and near-total demolition in 1786, the chapel was painstakingly reconstructed in the 1950s. The reconstruction incorporated surviving fragments of the original structure, and the chapel reopened in 1954 as a National Cultural Monument. Today, it serves as a ceremonial hall for the Czech Technical University, hosting graduations and other academic events. Visitors can explore the chapel's interior, view exhibits about Jan Hus, and reflect on its pivotal role in Czech history. The walls are adorned with paintings inspired by biblical themes, created by art school students. The chapel also has an underground section called Lapidarium used for exhibitions.

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