Panna Maria pod Řetězem

Have you ever heard of a church built “under the chain”? Right here, in front of you, stands the Church of Our Lady Beneath the Chain, a testament to Prague’s rich history and the enduring power of faith. It was built in the 12th century by the Knights Hospitaller, an order of warriors and healers who were known for their courage and their compassion. The church owes its unique name to the nearby Judith Bridge, on which a chain was stretched across the river to collect tolls from passing ships, and therefore the church was said to be “under the chain,” which was the common practice back then. The original church was a Romanesque basilica, a grand structure with three naves and a massive apse. In the 14th century, it was largely rebuilt in the Gothic style, and then again in the Baroque style in the 17th century. The church, though, managed to retain some architectural elements from all these eras, showcasing the rich history of architecture in Prague. The church is also a treasure trove of art, with several masterpieces by Karel Škréta, a prominent Czech Baroque painter. The main altar is adorned with his painting “Madonna Blessing the Maltese Knights,” a reminder of the Knights’ role in defending Malta against the Ottoman Empire. Over the centuries, the church served not only as a place of worship but also as a repository of the history of the Knights Hospitaller. The church houses a collection of tombstones and other artifacts that tell the stories of the men who walked its halls and defended the faith on the distant shores of the Mediterranean. The church stands tall, a silent guardian of centuries past, with its stone walls echoing the prayers and triumphs of ages gone by. Today, it continues to be a vibrant part of Prague’s religious landscape, a place where visitors and locals alike can find peace and connect with the spirit of the city’s rich history. The Church of Our Lady Beneath the Chain is a timeless reminder that faith, courage, and history are woven together into the very fabric of Prague.