The Church of Our Lady before Týn rises above Prague’s Old Town Square, where its two Gothic towers are among the city’s most recognizable sights. Step inside to see a very different character: Baroque furnishings, paintings and the tomb of astronomer Tycho Brahe sit within the historic church. The entrance is easy to miss because it runs through a narrow passage between buildings. Check the visiting times before you go, and treat the interior as a place of worship as well as a historic landmark.
A landmark shaped by centuries of change
The church has been the main church of Prague’s Old Town since the 14th century. The building that stands today took shape over several centuries, replacing an earlier Romanesque church associated with merchants who came to trade at Týn Courtyard. Its Gothic exterior and prominent towers reflect the medieval city, while later changes altered the church’s interior and decoration.
In the 15th century, the church became an important centre for the Hussite movement. A golden chalice associated with the Hussites once stood on its façade. After Catholic rule was restored, the chalice was removed and replaced by a figure of the Virgin Mary. The church’s history is therefore visible in changes to both its religious role and its appearance.
Look beyond the towers
The two tall Gothic towers make the church easy to recognize from Old Town Square. Each is topped by smaller spires, and the towers are not identical in shape. From the square, take time to look closely at the stonework and at how the church rises behind the surrounding buildings. Its main entrance is concealed by those buildings and reached through a narrow passage, so you may need to look for the opening rather than a broad façade facing the square.
The contrast between the exterior and interior is part of the visit. Inside, Baroque furnishings and paintings sit alongside works from earlier periods. The church contains Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque art, including altarpiece paintings by Karel Škréta. The northern portal, with its sculpture of the Crucifixion, is another notable detail.
Inside the church
The interior’s Baroque decoration reflects the changes made after the church’s medieval period. Among the works to look for are the paintings above the altars and the tomb of Tycho Brahe, the Danish astronomer who died in Prague. The church also has a pipe organ dating to 1673, identified as the oldest in Prague.
The building remains a place of worship, so keep your visit quiet and follow any guidance given inside. Photography is not allowed. Postcards showing the church are sold by attendants, with proceeds supporting its upkeep. Check the visiting information before you arrive: the church is closed on Mondays, and access is limited on other days. Its position on Old Town Square makes it easy to combine with a walk around the square and nearby historic buildings.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the entrance to the Church of Our Lady before Týn?
The entrance is reached through a narrow passage between the buildings beside the church. It can be easy to overlook from Old Town Square.
Can you take photos inside the church?
No. Photography is prohibited inside.
What should you see inside the church?
Look for the Baroque furnishings and paintings, works by Karel Škréta, the tomb of Tycho Brahe and the 1673 pipe organ.
