Name: Church of Our Lady before Týn
Address: Staroměstské nám., 110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město, Czechia
Telephone: 222 318 186
Rating: 4.7

14th-century landmark with 80m towers, ornately carved exteriors & a baroque altarpiece.

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The Church of Our Lady before Týn is a prime example of Gothic architecture, dominating the Old Town Square with its imposing presence.

Architectural Style

The church's two main towers are approximately 80 meters (260 feet) tall, making them a prominent feature of the Prague skyline.

Tower Height

Look closely! The two towers are not identical. One is slightly wider than the other, adding a subtle asymmetry to the facade.

Tower Design

The famous astronomer Tycho Brahe is buried inside the church. His tomb can be found near the main altar.

Tycho Brahe's Tomb

Construction of the church began in the 14th century, although it wasn't fully completed until the early 16th century.

Construction Start

For a time, the church was a major center of the Hussite movement, a religious reform movement led by Jan Hus.

Hussite Influence

Church of Our Lady before Týn

The Church of Our Lady before Týn, a dominant feature of Prague's Old Town Square, is instantly recognizable for its imposing twin towers, each topped with four smaller spires, creating a unique and somewhat asymmetrical silhouette against the skyline. These towers, often mistakenly assumed to be identical, are subtly different in their design, a deliberate choice reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the time. Inside, the church houses a remarkable collection of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque art, including the tomb of Tycho Brahe, the renowned astronomer. Less known is the fact that the church stands on the site of a former Romanesque church dating back to the 11th century. The Týn School, associated with the church, played a significant role in the intellectual life of Prague, fostering humanist thought during the Renaissance. The church's construction spanned centuries, resulting in a fascinating blend of architectural styles that contribute to its distinctive character.

Introduction

Dominating the eastern side of Prague's Old Town Square, the Church of Our Lady before Týn has been an integral part of the square's historical narrative since its construction between the 14th and 16th centuries. Its unmistakable Gothic spires, intentionally asymmetrical to symbolize the dual nature of the world, have witnessed centuries of the square's evolution from a bustling marketplace to a site of pivotal historical events. The church became a stronghold of the Hussite movement in the early 15th century, reflecting the religious and political unrest of the time. It served as a main Hussite place of worship, solidifying its role as a symbol of Czech religious identity.

Even after the Hussite movement was suppressed and the church was re-Catholicized, its layered past remained visible in its art and architecture. The richly decorated interior houses the tomb of astronomer Tycho Brahe, who worked at the court of Emperor Rudolf II, further connecting the church to Prague's intellectual history. The church's facade, partially hidden behind a row of houses, reflects the evolving urban planning around sacred sites. Despite its commanding presence, the entrance is tucked away, adding to the sense of discovery for visitors exploring the square. The towers of the Church of Our Lady before Týn serve as a constant reminder of Prague's rich spiritual and artistic identity.

Old Town Square Historical Significance

The Church of Our Lady before Týn, an iconic Gothic structure in Prague's Old Town Square, serves as a distinguished venue for the Prague Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. Within this historical setting, the orchestra presents "Classic Spectacular," a program featuring selections from Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons," Pachelbel's Canon, and works by Bach, Händel, and Mozart. The church's oldest Prague pipe organ, dating back to 1673, is showcased during these concerts, played by award-winning organist Aleš Bárta.

Anda-Louise Bogza, a soprano from the National Theatre in Prague, and Vlastimil Kobrle, a celebrated violinist and concertmaster of the Czech Symphonists, frequently perform with the orchestra in this venue. These performances, lasting approximately 70 minutes, invite audiences to experience classical music within the church's extensive gallery of Gothic, Renaissance, and Early Baroque art.

The orchestra's presence enhances the church's ambiance, blending musical artistry with historical architecture. Concerts are held regularly, offering both tourists and locals the opportunity to appreciate classical music in one of Prague's most impressive religious buildings. The "Classic Spectacular" concerts are a highlight, drawing attendees to experience the harmonious combination of the Prague Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra's talent and the Church of Our Lady before Týn's unique setting.

Prague Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra

The Church of Our Lady before Týn, an iconic feature of Prague's Old Town Square, holds the tomb of the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe within its walls. Brahe, who served at the court of Emperor Rudolf II, found his final resting place in this historically significant church. His tomb is a notable feature of the church's richly decorated interior, which also includes a Baroque altarpiece and Gothic vaulting.

Brahe's presence within the Church of Our Lady before Týn connects the world of astronomy with the religious and artistic identity of Prague. The church, built between the 14th and 16th centuries, became a stronghold of the Hussite movement in the early 15th century, serving as a religious and political center during a time of great unrest. After the movement, the church was re-Catholicized and richly re-decorated.

The tomb serves as a reminder of the vibrant intellectual environment fostered by Emperor Rudolf II, who attracted scientists, artists, and thinkers to Prague. The inclusion of Brahe's tomb underscores the church's layered past, reflecting not only religious and political shifts but also the city's embrace of scientific inquiry during the Renaissance. Visitors exploring the church can pay homage to Brahe, whose contributions to astronomy continue to be recognized.

Astronomer Tycho Brahe's Tomb

The Church of Our Lady before Týn, a dominant feature of Prague's Old Town, exemplifies Gothic architecture, with construction commencing in the 14th century and finishing in 1511. Designed with the influence of Matthias of Arras and Peter Parler, the church showcases late Gothic style. Its twin 80-meter towers, adorned with four smaller spires each, are a testament to the era's craftsmanship. The initial construction phase included a double choir with vaults, potentially completed around 1350, indicating continuous building through various architectural periods.

Notably, the church's history reflects architectural adaptations, with Baroque elements introduced following a fire in 1679 that damaged the original Gothic vault. This resulted in a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, particularly evident in the main nave's reconstruction. Despite undergoing renovations and stylistic changes over seven centuries, including reversed renovations from 1973 to 1995, the church retains its fundamental 14th and 15th-century Gothic strength. The absence of firm foundations obscures its precise origin, though documents suggest construction began by 1339. The towers, completed at different times, further illustrate the evolving architectural phases, with the northern tower finished during George of Poděbrady's reign and the southern tower in 1511.

Church of Our Lady before Týn

Did You Know?

Architectural Style

Tower Height

Tower Design

Tycho Brahe's Tomb

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