The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn

by abs.admin · September 23, 2015

Rear view of Prague Church of our Lady before Tyn

Walking across the Old Town Square, there is one stunning church you can’t overlook – the old, Gothic style Church of Our Lady before Týn. The story of this church starts in the middle of 14th century and the construction lasted until the beginning of the 16th century, year 1510 to be precise. The architects working on the church were very famous in Prague. Matthias of Arras and Petr Parléř both worked on St. Vitus Cathedral and influenced many other buildings across the city center.

Church of Our Lady Before Týn. Photo by NoPlayerUfa

The Tyn church was opened for the first time in year 1380, but was not yet complete. At the beginning of the Hussite wars, the church already had 3 naves, but the main nave probably didn’t have a roof at that time. After 1419, Tyn Church became a center for reformed preachers, following the teachings of Jan Hus and stayed reformist until the year 1621. At this point all the Protestants were forced out of the country. In the meantime, the Tyn Church saw it’s completion around the year 1510.

The addition of all the Baroque decor and altars was in the next few decades after year 1621.

Nowadays The Church of our Lady before Tyn is a frequent stop for many tourists who wander around the Old Town Square.Let’s face it, who wouldn’t stop inside a church, where history can practically breathe on you?

There are a few interesting legends about this church. So ask your guide who can surely tell you more.