Basilica of St. James
Category: Attractions
This is regarded as being one of the most beautiful churches in the area and was built during the reign of King Wenceslas I. The original church was destroyed though but was rebuilt by King John of Bohemia in 1319 in a Gothic style, although the project was not completed until 1374 by Emperor Charles IV. It became one of the most important royal churches in the city and was often used for royal funerals, including those of King Charles IV and Emperor Maximilian II in 1577.
In 1689 the church was once again ravaged by fire and was rebuilt, however this time in a Baroque style. The architect for this was Jan Simon Panek. Although work began in 1689, the interior of the church was not finished until 1739, although the exterior was complete in 1702. Although the original floorplan remained, the Gothic elements of the church were removed, although some of the 14th century walls were retained.
Although the exterior of the church is breathtaking, it is the interior that really takes the breath away. The layout of the tribune gallery over the side aisles – all divided by marble pilasters – is simply stunning to see. The sculptures found here are also amazing, with perhaps the most impressive of them being the sculpture named “Pietr”, which dates back to around 1500 and is found at the main altar. There are also a number of paintings – such as “Martyrdom and Glorification of St.James” – and the tomb of Count Johann Wenzel Wratislaw von Mitrowitz to marvel over. The building also contains a large number of paintings by the artist Peter Brandl.
One grisly aspect of this church can be found hanging to left of the church’s entrance – a severed arm. This is reputed to be the arm of a man who was caught trying to steal a valuable artifact from the church and who, when caught, had his arm cut off by the Prague Guild of Butchers, who protected the church.
The church currently belongs to the Roman Catholic Church and, in 1974, it was raised to the level of minor basilica by the then Pope, Pope Paul VI.
Open: 9:30am-12pm, 2pm-4pm daily. No entry during Mass or organ concerts.