Loreto

Loreto is a Baroque pilgrimage complex in Prague’s Hradčany district, near Prague Castle. Founded in 1626, it centres on a copy of the Holy House, surrounded by cloisters and chapels. Look for the carved scenes on the Holy House, the frescoed Church of the Nativity and the treasury’s religious objects, including the diamond-covered Prague Sun. A carillon in the tower plays every hour. Allow time to explore the treasury carefully, especially if you want to study its smaller objects.

A pilgrimage complex founded in 1626

Loreto was founded by Kateřina Benigna of Lobkowicz in 1626 as a place of Marian pilgrimage. Its central building is a copy of the Santa Casa, the house associated with the Virgin Mary. The complex’s design followed the tradition of reproducing that sacred dwelling, which was believed to have been carried by angels from Nazareth to Loreto in Italy.

The Holy House at Prague Loreto was built in 1631 by Giovanni Battista Orsi. Its façade is carved with scenes of the Annunciation, the Visitation and the Nativity. Inside stands a limewood statue of the Virgin of Loreto. Candle smoke darkened the wood, and the statue is enclosed in silver rays. It has been a focus of devotion at the site.

The church, chapels and cloister

The Holy House sits within a complex of cloisters and chapels. The cloister was later enlarged by Dientzenhofer, who also raised the Church of the Nativity. The church’s richly decorated interior includes frescoes and cherub figures. Its altarpiece is thought to follow a design by Filippo Lippi.

Sculptor Matthias Schönherr created much of the chancel decoration. His Rococo work appears on the altar, pulpit and oratory. Take time to look at the details across these areas as well as the painted ceilings along the cloisters. The complex brings together several periods of work, with the Holy House at its devotional centre.