The Basilica of St. James the Greater is a Catholic church in Prague’s Old Town, at Malá Štupartská 635. Its Gothic origins give way inside to a Baroque interior of gilded statues, painted altars and a colorful ceiling depicting scenes from the Virgin Mary’s life. Look for the bejeweled Madonna Pietatis, lit in blue, and the shriveled arm hanging high on the right near the entrance, linked to a tale of attempted theft. Step in for the art and architecture, and leave room for a quiet moment.
From Gothic church to Baroque interior
The Basilica of St. James began as a Gothic church connected with a Minorite monastery and the Franciscan order. A fire in Old Town in 1689 badly damaged it. The rebuilding gave the church its Baroque appearance, set against its earlier Gothic form.
Inside, gilded statues and paintings line the long nave beneath a colorful ceiling that tells stories from the life of the Virgin Mary. The contrast between the church’s Gothic beginnings and its later decoration is part of what makes the interior worth a closer look.
The Madonna Pietatis and the hanging arm
At the altar, blue light draws attention to the bejeweled Madonna Pietatis, a venerated image. Near the entrance, look high on the right side for a shriveled arm. Local legend connects it to a thief who tried to take jewels from a statue of the Virgin Mary; the arm is said to have been left hanging after the attempted theft.
The church is also known for its pipe organ and acoustics. Keep your visit considerate of worshippers, particularly if a service is taking place.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Basilica of St. James the Greater?
It is at Malá Štupartská 635 in Prague’s Old Town.
What can you see inside the basilica?
Look for gilded statues, painted altars, a colorful ceiling depicting scenes from the Virgin Mary’s life, and the blue-lit Madonna Pietatis. A shriveled arm hangs high near the entrance.
What is the story behind the hanging arm?
Local legend says a thief tried to steal jewels from a statue of the Virgin Mary and lost his arm. The shriveled arm is displayed high near the entrance.
