The 10 Best Churches and Cathedrals in Prague

Prague is famous for having one of the most beautiful skylines in the world, adorned with castles, medieval towers and intricate alleyways. But churches and cathedrals are also part of its charm, and touring these sites is a great way to delve into the city's history and secrets.

If you are also someone who enjoys getting lost inside the magnificent city buildings, some of the best things to do in Prague include visiting the central nave of St. George's Basilica, getting lost in the cloister of St. Vitus Cathedral, wandering through the Church of Cyril and Methodius or taking a detour in Mala Strana to discover the stained glass windows of St. Nicholas Church. Are you ready for an adventure?

If you want to visit one of the oldest and most emblematic churches in the Czech capital, then you can't miss St. George's Basilica. This building, located in the heart of Prague Castle, was built more than 1000 years ago and has survived the fires of the 12th century and the bombings of the Second World War, so it stands out for its beauty that crosses Romanesque and Gothic styles, but also for its rich history.

The basilica, due to its location, has a close connection with Prague Castle, as it was built inside the walled complex, which has been the centre of political and religious power in Bohemia for centuries.

A visit to St. George's Basilica, which is often included in the best Prague Castle tours, offers a unique and comprehensive experience, as it is not only the city's main pilgrimage site, but also the epicentre of the coronation ceremonies and knightly tournaments that were famous during the Middle Ages.

Interesting details

• Price: from 18 Euro.
• Location: Hradcany 119, Prague.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most iconic attractions in Prague and the entire Czech Republic, standing out as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in Eastern Europe. The epicentre of medieval life in the city, it was completed during the 20th century, almost six centuries after its inauguration.

Among the founding relics of St. Vitus is the tomb of the martyred Prince St. Wenceslas and its interior is striking because it combines Renaissance frescoes with walls decorated with precious stones, which contrasts with the other religious buildings in Prague, which tend to stand out for their sobriety.

Due to its strategic location, a visit to St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the best things to do in the Prague Castle district, and you can combine it with a tour of the Old Royal Palace and the surrounding gardens.

Interesting details

• Price: from 15 euros.
• Location: III. nadvori 48/2, Prague.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

One of the best alternatives to get to know the baroque style that distinguishes Czech architecture is to visit the Church of St. Nicholas. This church, located in the Mala Strana district, is a symbol of the artistic splendour that flourished in the region in the 17th century. There you can marvel at the size of the dome and the design of the bell tower that rises above the rooftops of the neighbourhood.

Dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari and planned by the architect brothers Christoph and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, this church is the focal point of Mala Strana, one of the oldest and most picturesque sites in the city, which is also often included in the itinerary of Prague's Old Town tours.

The medieval atmosphere of Mala Strana, with its cobbled streets and hidden gardens, takes on an incomparable beauty on snowy days, making a visit to this temple one of the best things to do if you plan to visit Prague in winter

The interior of the Church of St. Nicholas also houses a Baroque organ that was used by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart during his stay in Prague. The church is also close to other famous attractions, so you can combine your tour with a visit to the Charles Bridge or the Petrin Tower

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Malostranske nam. 118, Prague.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.45 pm.

The Church of Our Lady of Tyn, with its eighty-metre high Gothic towers, is one of the most recognisable and iconic buildings on the Prague skyline. It is also an important religious centre for the locals, making it a must-see during your stay in the city.

Built in commemoration of Jan Hus, who was one of the forerunners of the Protestant Reformation, the high arches of its structure and the details of its interior serve to reflect the medieval splendour that characterised Prague.

Located in the heart of the Old Town, one of Prague's liveliest and most attractive neighbourhoods, this temple can be included in an itinerary that also takes you past the Powder Tower and the Astronomical Clock. In addition, nearby you can find some of Prague's best museums, such as the exhibition of Franz Kafka, one of the most representative characters of the city.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Staromestske nam. 110, Prague.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm.

The Church of St. Cyril and Methodius is a place of great historical and emotional significance, both for the local community and for the history of Europe. Although the church was built in the mid-18th century in the Baroque style, it is now known for its connection with one of the most heroic and tragic episodes of the Second World War: Operation Anthropoid.

The church, which served the Prague Orthodox community, became the final scene of one of the most significant resistances against the Nazi occupation, as in 1942 two Czechoslovak paratroopers carried out an assassination attempt on Reinhard Heydrich, one of the main architects of the Holocaust. The attempt was successful, as Heydrich was killed, but it triggered a brutal crackdown by the Nazis.

The paratroopers and other resistance fighters sought refuge in the crypt of the Church of St. Cyril and Methodius, where they barricaded themselves, but after being betrayed, the Nazi occupation forces discovered their hiding place in the church. However, despite the Nazis' superior numbers and weapons, the fighters held out in a fierce firefight. In the end, they preferred to take their own lives rather than be captured by the enemy.

This act of sacrifice made the church crypt a symbol of the Czechoslovak freedom struggle and resistance against fascism. Today, the church houses a memorial to the heroes of Operation Anthropoid with commemorative plaques and exhibits detailing the bravery of these fighters.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Karlinske nam. 186, Prague.
• Opening hours: daily from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Due to its historical importance and its location on Vysehrad Hill, the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul is one of the most prominent churches in Prague. Although its present appearance is mainly neo-Gothic in style, it was originally built with Romanesque influence and modified according to Gothic canons to the style that characterises it today.

The site of Vysehrad, where the basilica is located, is one of the oldest and most sacred places in Prague. According to legend, Vysehrad was the original settlement of the first Bohemian princes, before Prague Castle became the centre of power. The basilica has been an important religious centre since its inception, and its interior is home to striking frescoes, altars and stained-glass windows.

From Vysehrad Hill you can also enjoy panoramic views of the Vltava River and the old town. Within walking distance of the basilica you will find other attractions such as the Rotunda of St. Martin, which is one of the oldest local Romanesque buildings. If you are planning to visit Prague in December, you will be able to enjoy a unique view of the Christmas decorations from here.

Interesting details

• Price: from 4 euros.
• Location: Stulcova 128, Prague.
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Although not one of the city's best-known attractions, the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola is one of the most beautiful in Prague and a pearl of the Baroque style. Built by the Jesuits in Nove Mesto, it is a testament to the influence of the Society of Jesus in the Czech Republic during the years of the Counter-Reformation.

The exterior of this church is very sober, but the interior is an example of Baroque opulence, especially the gilded altars and the frescoes that cover the ceiling and walls. It is also notable for the height of its central nave and for its altarpiece, which depicts a figure of Saint Ignatius surrounded by angels.

Since it is not one of the most visited places in this destination, in this church you can avoid the crowds that are characteristic of St. Vitus Cathedral or St. George's Basilica and you can make the most of its location to visit, nearby, the Dancing House, which is a modern icon of Prague architecture, or some of the best restaurants in Prague, which are usually the protagonists of the city's gastronomic tours.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Karlovo nam. 120, Prague.
• Opening hours: daily from 8.00 a.m. to 6.45 p.m.

Prague is a city that suffered from fires, had many structural modifications and was rebuilt after the Second World War, so it is not easy to find a structure that has maintained its originality since its construction. However, among the cathedrals, St. Clement's Cathedral has a baroque style that stands out for its elegance and has remained unchanged since the 18th century.

The cathedral is dedicated to Pope St. Clement, a martyr of early Christianity who dedicated himself to promoting sacred art. This is why this temple stands out for its ornamentation and the frescoes inside, but also for its exceptional acoustics, which make it a frequent venue for classical music concerts . Inside the complex you can also visit the Clementinum, famous for its library.

St. Clement's Cathedral is located in the Old Town of Prague and, after touring it, you can walk to the Powder Tower or to the Astronomical Clock, which is undoubtedly the most photographed attraction in the Czech capital.

Interesting details

• Price: from 9 euros.
• Location: Karlova 183, Prague.
• Opening hours: daily from 5.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you want to get to know one of Prague's best-kept secrets, you must visit the Church of St. Gallus. This church, located in the Old Town, has Gothic origins, but was later renovated to obtain its current Baroque appearance. This combination of styles makes it a structure unlike any other, especially in its interior.

This church is also an important pilgrimage site because it worships Saint Gallus, a missionary saint who was of great importance in the evangelisation of Europe and who was present in several eastern countries, making it a religious reference for millions of the faithful throughout the continent.

Likewise, a visit to the Church of Saint Gallus will allow you to explore a corner of Prague that has preserved its historical essence over the centuries. Although more modest in size than other churches in the city, it stands out for its authenticity and intimate atmosphere.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission is free.
• Location: Havelska 539/24, Prague.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am-1pm.

The Church of Our Lady of the Snows is one of the most fascinating and largest churches in Prague. It stands out for its Gothic structure and its history full of religious and cultural symbolism. Founded by Emperor Charles IV, its construction was part of a project to create a monastic complex in the New Town. However, because of the wars, it was never completed and remains unfinished to this day.

The interior of the church, in Gothic style with Baroque influences, is notable for its spaciousness and ornamentation. Although the building was never completely finished, its baroque high altar, which is the tallest in the city, and the frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, are part of a striking heritage. One of the best times to visit this site is during Christmas in Prague, when allegorical masses are offered.

One of the main attractions of this church is its serene and less crowded atmosphere than other famous churches in Prague, which makes it an ideal place for those looking for a quieter visit. The church is also of great historical value, as it played an important role during the Counter-Reformation.

Although this church is often left out of group tours of the city, you can include it in your itinerary if you decide to book a private tour of Prague, where you can choose which sites to visit.

Interesting details

• Price: admission is free.
• Location: Jungmannovo nam. 753/18, Prague.
• Opening hours: daily from 8.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.