The Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné), also referred as the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, in Malá Strana, the "Lesser Quarter" of Prague, is a church governed and administered by the Discalced Carmelites, and home of the famous Child Jesus statue called the Infant Jesus of Prague. The statue, a 16th-century depiction of infant Jesus holding a globus cruciger, was donated to the Carmelite friars in 1628 by Polyxena, 1st Princess Lobkowicz. A chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity was built on this site in 1584, following Rudolph II's Letter of Majesty a larger church for German Protestants. With the Battle of White Mountain, 8 November 1620, the Counter-Reformation signalled the re-Catholicism of Prague. The church was given to the direction of the Carmelites in September 1624. The triumphalist altarpiece of Our Lady of Victory was sent from Rome by Pope Gregory XV. The Carmelites were ordered to hand over the church to Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, 3 June 1784. At the request of the Archbishop of Prague Miloslav Vlk, the Discalced Carmelites returned to the church after two hundred years of absence on 2 July 1993. The Carmelite Sisters of the Child Jesus help the Carmelites with the care of the gracious statue and the church. The pilgrimage church is under the parish administration of the Church of St. Thomas in Mala Strana.
Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vitezne) Tours and Tickets
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The Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné), also referred as the Shrine of the Infant Jesus of Prague, in Malá Strana, the "Lesser Quarter" of Prague, is a church governed and administered by the Discalced Carmelites, and home of the famous Child Jesus statue called the Infant Jesus of Prague. The statue, a 16th-century depiction of infant Jesus holding a globus cruciger, was donated to the Carmelite friars in 1628 by Polyxena, 1st Princess Lobkowicz. A chapel dedicated to the Holy Trinity was built on this site in 1584, following Rudolph II's Letter of Majesty a larger church for German Protestants. With the Battle of White Mountain, 8 November 1620, the Counter-Reformation signalled the re-Catholicism of Prague. The church was given to the direction of the Carmelites in September 1624. The triumphalist altarpiece of Our Lady of Victory was sent from Rome by Pope Gregory XV. The Carmelites were ordered to hand over the church to Joseph II, Holy Roman Emperor, 3 June 1784. At the request of the Archbishop of Prague Miloslav Vlk, the Discalced Carmelites returned to the church after two hundred years of absence on 2 July 1993. The Carmelite Sisters of the Child Jesus help the Carmelites with the care of the gracious statue and the church. The pilgrimage church is under the parish administration of the Church of St. Thomas in Mala Strana.
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- Found in the Baroque streets of Prague’s Malá Strana (Lesser Town) on the west bank of the Vltava River, the Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vitezne) has its origins back in 1611. It was rebuilt in its present, richly Baroque style in the 30 years up to 1669 by a Carmelite order of monks and has an interior of dazzling gilt and marble adornment. However, the church’s main claim to fame is its painted wooden statuette of the Infant Jesus of Prague. At about 20 inches (50 cm) in height, it has a highly stylized head topped with cherubic curls and its right hand is raised in blessing. The Infant Jesus is originally from Spain and was donated to the Carmelites by a princess of the noble Lobkowicz dynasty in 1628; he has an rich wardrobe donated by visiting dignitaries as well as two crowns—one a gift studded with pearls and garnets given by Pope Benedict XVI when he visited Prague in 2009—and his outfits are changed at set points in the church year.The statue’s bejeweled, fur-lined robes and crowns can be seen in the Museum of the Prague Infant Jesus above the church, which is accessible via spiral staircase.The church is open from Mon–Sat 8:30am–7pm and the museum portion is open Mon–Sat 9:30am–5:30pm, Sun 1pm–6pm. Admission is free. To access, walk over the Charles Bridge from Prague’s medieval Staré Město (Old Town) or take the tram to Malostranké.
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For Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Video Guide
- Hearing kits
- Speech To Text
Access for Seniors
- Distance from drop-off location to entrance: Less than 20 m
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level - 2
Accessibility for wheels
- Can have severe slope, cobblestones, and/or gravel
- Easy without assistance
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
Access for Visually Impaired
- Braille description
- Audio Guide
- Place has Special Guide Service
- Service animals permitted
As you approach the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague, the first thing you notice is the impressive facade, adorned with intricate statues and ornate decorations. The warm sunlight filters through the stained glass windows, casting a colorful glow on the ancient cobblestones.
Stepping inside, you are immediately enveloped in a sense of peace and tranquility. The air is filled with the soft scent of incense, and the gentle sound of chanting drifts from the altar. The flickering candles cast dancing shadows on the walls, creating a serene atmosphere that invites contemplation and reflection.
As you make your way through the church, your fingers brush against the cool stone of the pillars, worn smooth by centuries of faithful visitors. The sound of your footsteps echoes softly in the hushed space, creating a rhythmic backdrop to the timeless energy that permeates the air.
You pause before the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague, a figure of serenity and compassion. His outstretched arms seem to welcome you, offering solace and understanding in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. You feel a sense of comfort wash over you, as if all your worries and fears have been lifted away.
Moving on, you come across the Chapel of the Holy Infant. The smell of fresh flowers mingles with the soft strains of a choir singing in harmony. The delicate beauty of the altar and the flickering candlelight create a moving tableau, drawing you into the sacred space and filling you with a sense of awe and reverence.
As you continue to explore the church, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the sheer weight of history and devotion that hangs in the air. You imagine the countless souls who have walked these hallowed halls before you, seeking solace, guidance, and redemption.
Leaving the church, you carry with you a profound sense of peace and renewal. The emotional journey you have taken within the walls of the Church of Our Lady Victorious has left an indelible mark on your soul, a reminder of the power of faith, love, and the enduring presence of the divine in our lives.
The Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague does not specifically advertise the availability of audio descriptive guides or sensory-friendly hours on their website or promotional materials. Visitors looking for these services may want to contact the church directly to inquire about accessibility options.
The Church of Our Lady Victorious, also known as the Infant Jesus of Prague, holds a special place in the hearts of many locals in Prague. Renowned Czech writer Franz Kafka once wrote about his fascination with the church’s baroque architecture and the mystical atmosphere it exudes. He found solace in visiting the church, which he described as a place where time seemed to stand still.
Local artist and sculptor Alena Chládková has also been inspired by the Church of Our Lady Victorious in her work. She often incorporates elements of the church’s intricate design and religious symbolism into her sculptures, drawing on the spiritual energy she feels when she visits the church. For her, the church represents a connection to her cultural heritage and a source of creative inspiration.
Many locals view the Infant Jesus of Prague as a symbol of hope and protection. They come to the church to pray for guidance, healing, or simply to find peace in times of uncertainty. The church’s famous statue of the Infant Jesus is believed to have miraculous powers, and devotees from all over the world visit to seek its blessings.
Overall, the Church of Our Lady Victorious is not just a historical landmark in Prague, but a spiritual sanctuary that holds a special significance for many locals. Its beauty, history, and the sense of peace it offers continue to draw people from all walks of life, inspiring artists, writers, and believers alike.
Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vitezne), located in Prague, is a popular tourist destination. Here is some information to help you plan your visit:
### Directions and Transportation
#### By Public Transportation:
- Metro: The closest metro station to the Church of Our Lady Victorious is the Anděl station, located on Line B (yellow line). From there, it is a short walk to the church.
- Tram: Trams 6, 9, 12, 20, and 58 also stop near the church at the "Svandovo Divadlo" tram stop.
#### By Taxi or Ride-Sharing:
- Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available in Prague, and you can easily hire one to reach the church.
#### Accessibility:
- The Church of Our Lady Victorious is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms available for visitors with mobility concerns.
### Ticket Booking and Discounts
#### Booking Tickets:
- Entry to the church is free of charge. However, if you wish to visit the famous Infant Jesus of Prague statue housed inside the church, there might be a small fee.
#### Discounts:
- Seniors, students, and children may be eligible for discounted or free entry to special exhibitions or events. It’s advisable to check the official website for any ongoing promotions or discounts.
### Local Amenities
#### Parking:
- Limited street parking is available near the Church of Our Lady Victorious, but it can be challenging to find a spot, especially during peak tourist seasons.
#### Restrooms:
- The church has restrooms that are accessible for visitors.
#### Dining Options:
- There are several restaurants, cafes, and eateries in the vicinity of the church, offering a variety of cuisines to cater to different dietary needs.
Enjoy your visit to the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Prague!