Church of Our Lady before Týn: Marvel at Gothic Twin Spires & Intricate Baroque Altars in Prague’s Old Town

Claim to Fame

The Church of Our Lady before Týn is Prague’s quintessential Gothic landmark, distinguished by its twin spires soaring 80 meters above Old Town Square and interiors adorned with Baroque altars and medieval artwork.

📌 Navigating Church of Our Lady before Týn : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Public washrooms are available near the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
Hours of Operation: The Church of Our Lady before Týn is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Important Information: The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a Gothic masterpiece and one of the most iconic churches in Prague.
Admission Fee: An admission fee is required to enter certain parts of the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
How Long to Visit: A visit to the Church of Our Lady before Týn typically lasts about 1 to 2 hours.
Parking: Parking is available at various public lots near the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
Family Friendly: The Church of Our Lady before Týn is family-friendly, with historical exhibits and activities for all ages.
Photography: The Church of Our Lady before Týn is picturesque and excellent for photography.
WIFI: Free public WIFI is not available at the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
Picnic Area: There are no designated picnic areas within the Church of Our Lady before Týn grounds.
Handicap Accessible: The Church of Our Lady before Týn is accessible for visitors with disabilities.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the Church of Our Lady before Týn.
Guided Tours: Guided tours of the Church of Our Lady before Týn are available.
Restaurant or Cafe: There is no restaurant or cafe at the Church of Our Lady before Týn, but nearby cafes are available.
Gift Shop: The gift shop at the Church of Our Lady before Týn offers a variety of religious souvenirs.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Church of Our Lady before Týn

Silhouetted against Prague’s skyline, the Church of Our Lady before Týn has welcomed worshippers and visitors since the 14th century. Its asymmetrical Gothic towers punctuate the city’s heart, while inside you’ll discover a treasury of art: gilded altarpieces, a 15th-century Madonna painting, and tombs of Bohemian nobility. More than an architectural icon, the church embodies the religious and civic history of the Old Town.

What to Expect

Entering through the richly carved west portal, you step into a soaring nave flanked by clustered columns and ribbed vaults. Sunlight filters through slender lancet windows, illuminating the high altar’s intricate sculptures. Wander to the Chapel of St. Salvator to admire its marble pulpit and gilded angels, then pause at the mid-aisle oil painting of the Last Judgment, a rare early Renaissance work in Bohemia.

Behind the choir stalls lies the 17th-century altar of the Assumption, a Baroque masterpiece by sculptor Matěj Václav Jäckl. Guided audio tours highlight hidden frescoes, consecration crosses, and the remarkable 80-pipe organ that fills the space with rich acoustics during evening concerts.

Background and Cultural Context

Commissioned by Prague’s dominant Hussite community in the 1380s, the church symbolized religious independence from the Catholic establishment. Over the centuries, Gothic austerity gave way to Baroque embellishments under Habsburg influence, reflected in the ornate chapels and altars added in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Despite damage during wars and fires, the building remained central to Old Town spiritual life. Its tombstones bear witness to Prague’s elite—merchants, burghers, and clergy—and its silhouette has long served as a backdrop for civic gatherings on the square outside.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings (8–10 AM) offer peaceful reflection and soft daylight on interior details. Late afternoon services (around 5 PM) showcase the church’s acoustics and allow you to hear the historic organ. Early spring and autumn balance milder crowds with comfortable temperatures for exploring both inside and the adjacent square.

How to Get There

The church faces Old Town Square and is a two-minute walk from Staroměstská metro station (Line A) or tram stops “Staroměstské náměstí” (Lines 2, 17). Enter via the central steps on the square; admission tickets are sold at the side chapel entrance on the south side.

Photo Opportunities

Exterior shot of the asymmetrical twin spires against the skyline at dawn
Interior panorama of the nave looking toward the high altar
Close-up of the gilded Assumption altar’s sculptural details
Detail of the medieval Madonna painting in the Chapel of Our Lady
Silhouette of the spires framed by Old Town Square’s Christmas market stalls

Travel Tips

Wear modest attire—shoulders and knees should be covered for respect inside.
Purchase combined tickets for entrance plus organ concert to save time.
Join a guided tour or rent an audio guide for in-depth insights into art and architecture.
Avoid peak lunchtime (12–2 PM) when tour groups are largest.
Step outside after visiting to enjoy cafés and street performers on the square.

FAQs

Is there an entry fee?
Yes—a small admission fee (around 100 CZK) covers self-guided access; guided tours and concerts are extra.

Are services open to visitors?
Visitors may attend Mass and evening Vespers; check posted schedules at the entrance.

Can I take photos inside?
Non-commercial, non-flash photography is allowed, but tripods and large bags are restricted.

Is the church accessible for wheelchairs?
The main floor is accessible via a ramp on the south side, but some chapels involve steps—ask staff for assistance.

Final Thoughts

The Church of Our Lady before Týn stands as a beacon of Prague’s medieval and Baroque heritage. Its soaring Gothic spires and richly adorned interiors invite both devotion and discovery, making it an unmissable highlight in the heart of Old Town.

Things To Do near Church of Our Lady before Týn

Old Town Square

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to Old Town Square is 0.2 Kilometer(s) / 0.1 Mile(s)

Lennon Wall

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to Lennon Wall is 0.3 Kilometer(s) / 0.2 Mile(s)

Jewish Quarter

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to Jewish Quarter is 0.3 Kilometer(s) / 0.2 Mile(s)

Astronomical Clock

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to Astronomical Clock is 0.5 Kilometer(s) / 0.3 Mile(s)

Charles Bridge

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to Charles Bridge is 1.3 Kilometer(s) / 0.8 Mile(s)

National Theatre

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to National Theatre is 1.6 Kilometer(s) / 1 Mile(s)

St. Vitus Cathedral

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to St. Vitus Cathedral is 2.6 Kilometer(s) / 1.6 Mile(s)

Prague Castle

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to Prague Castle is 2.9 Kilometer(s) / 1.8 Mile(s)

Petřín Lookout Tower

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to Petřín Lookout Tower is 3.2 Kilometer(s) / 2 Mile(s)

Dancing House

The Distance from Church of Our Lady before Týn to Dancing House is 3.2 Kilometer(s) / 2 Mile(s)

📘 Prague Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Prague operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC +1. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2.

Weather: Prague has an oceanic climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and occasionally snowy, with temperatures often between -2°C and 3°C (28°F to 37°F), while summers are warm and pleasant, typically ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).

Population: Prague has a population of approximately 1.3 million people, making it the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It is a political, economic, and cultural center with a rich medieval and baroque heritage.

Size: Prague covers an area of about 496 square kilometers (191 square miles). Located on the Vltava River, the city features a mix of historic architecture, green parks, and modern infrastructure.

Language: Czech is the official language spoken in Prague. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger residents and hospitality workers. German and Russian are also spoken to a lesser extent.

Currency: The official currency is the Czech Koruna (CZK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is still common to carry cash for smaller establishments, markets, or public restrooms.

Safety: Prague is considered very safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but pickpocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded areas like Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and on public transit.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Prague. A 10% tip is standard in restaurants if not already included. It is also polite to tip hotel staff, taxi drivers, and tour guides.

Electricity and Plugs: The Czech Republic uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug types C and E are standard. Travelers from regions with different plugs should bring an adapter.

Water: Tap water in Prague is safe to drink and meets EU health and safety standards. It is commonly served in restaurants upon request.

Annual Visitors: Prague receives over 8 million visitors annually. Tourists are drawn to its historic city center, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, and vibrant cultural life.

Visa Requirements: Citizens of EU countries and many other nations do not need a visa for short stays in the Czech Republic. The country is part of the Schengen Area. A valid passport or national ID is required.

Health & Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to enter the Czech Republic. Routine immunizations such as MMR, tetanus, and flu are recommended. Healthcare is high quality and accessible.

Transportation: Prague has an efficient public transportation system that includes trams, buses, and metro lines. Tickets are time-based and must be validated before boarding. Walking is also popular in the compact city center.

Food: Czech cuisine in Prague features hearty dishes such as roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, goulash, and svíčková (marinated beef). Beer is an essential part of the local food culture and is often cheaper than bottled water.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Czech culture values politeness and modesty. It is customary to greet with a handshake and say “Dobrý den” (Good day). Public behavior tends to be quiet and respectful, especially in shared spaces.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in Prague’s hotels, restaurants, and public areas. Mobile coverage is excellent, and SIM cards with data are available from major Czech providers.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Prague. While healthcare is affordable and high quality, non-EU travelers may be required to pay out-of-pocket without valid insurance.

Did You Know? - Facts About Church of Our Lady before Týn

The church was The main place of worship for Prague's Old Town since The 14th century, and it has been a significant symbol of The Czech Protestant Hussite movement. The church's history is deeply intertwined with The religious and political upheavals of Bohemia.

Buried beneath The church is The renowned Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, who served as The imperial maThematician at The court of Emperor Rudolf II in Prague. His grave is marked by a simple plaque inside The church.

The interior of The church contains The oldest pipe organ in Prague. It's a beautiful example of baroque craftsmanship and adds to The church's rich musical history.

The Church of Our Lady before Týn, with its 80-meter-high twin towers, dominates The skyline of Prague's Old Town. The towers are not identical; one is slightly larger than The oTher, representing The feminine and masculine sides of The world.

The Church of Our Lady before Týn's Gothic architecture is considered one of The most impressive examples in Prague, featuring flying buttresses, an ornate norThern portal with a rose window, and a vaulted interior that showcases The beauty of medieval design.