In Prague’s Lesser Town, the Church of Our Lady Victorious is an early Baroque church and a place of pilgrimage for the Infant Jesus of Prague. The small statue, displayed inside the church, draws worshippers from around the world. Look for the carefully detailed interior, then go upstairs to the small museum, where historic garments worn by the Infant Jesus are on display. Entry to the church is free. Keep your voice low: people come here to pray as well as to see the church and statue.
The church and the statue
The Church of Our Lady Victorious is in Malá Strana, Prague’s Lesser Town, and is administered by the Discalced Carmelites. The early Baroque church was built in the 17th century and later rebuilt by the Carmelite order. It is known internationally for the Infant Jesus of Prague, a wax-coated wooden statue of the child Jesus displayed inside.
The statue came to Prague from Spain. In 1628, Polyxena of Lobkowicz gave it to the Carmelite monastery attached to the church. Its exact maker and earlier history are not known. The figure holds a globus cruciger, a cross-topped orb, and is about 47 centimetres tall. For Catholics who visit to pray, it is an object of devotion; the church is also open to visitors interested in its history and art.
What to look for inside
The interior is richly decorated, with detailed ornament that is easy to miss if you only stop at the statue. Take a moment to look around the main church before heading to the upper level. From a small window there, you can look down into the church below.
The museum displays garments associated with the Infant Jesus, along with religious objects connected to the statue. The collection includes robes from different parts of the world. The figure is dressed in changing garments, and the museum lets visitors see examples of this tradition up close. The church also has a gift shop on the lower level, with icons and other keepsakes.
A place of worship as well as a visitor stop
People travel here from many countries to pray before the Infant Jesus. Prayers take place in several languages, and the church remains an active spiritual destination. Visitors may encounter a service during their visit, so move quietly and leave room for people who are attending to their faith.
The church has restrooms on the lower level beside the gift shop. Use of the facilities requires payment, and cash or card is accepted. The church’s website is the place to check current visitor information before setting out.
Häufige Fragen
Is entry to the Church of Our Lady Victorious free?
Yes. Entry to the church is free.
What can you see in the museum?
The small museum displays historic garments worn by the Infant Jesus and related religious objects.
How should visitors behave inside the church?
Keep your voice low and avoid interrupting people who are praying or attending a service.
Are there restrooms at the church?
Yes. They are on the lower level next to the gift shop, and use requires payment by cash or card.
