Right here at Prague Castle stands the Kostel Všech Svatých. It is also known as the Church of All Saints. This sacred space has witnessed centuries of Bohemian history.
The Kostel Všech Svatých began as a palatial chapel. It was constructed in the 12th century. Imagine it then a modest sanctuary consecrated in 1185.
Fast forward to 1339. Charles IV established a collegiate chapter here. He was then the Margrave of Moravia. The church we see today started around 1372. Construction finished before 1386. Peter Parler crafted the plans. His involvement is noted in the triforium inscription. It states he began and finished the choir of All Saints. Only the church’s end was complete before the Hussite wars. A square nave was also founded.
Disaster struck in 1541. A huge fire devastated Prague Castle. The Kostel Všech Svatých suffered greatly. Only the outer walls remained. Most window tracery was lost. Chronicler Václav Hájek described the chapel’s former glory. It had sculptures and stained glass windows. Emperor Charles had expensively built it. Stone carvings and excellent glass adorned it. The fire destroyed everything inside and out.
Some original window tracery survives in the church attic. Ulrico Aostalli de Sala led the repairs. He lowered the vaulting. The nave was extended to connect with the palace. This work finished in 1580. Elisabeth Isabella funded the project. She was the daughter of Emperor Maximilian II. She was also the French queen. She lived at Prague Castle. She likely donated the altarpiece.
In 1588 Saint Procopius’ remains moved here. They came from Sázava Monastery. Emperor Rudolf II attended the procession. The saint’s relics rested in a new tomb. It was placed in the chancel’s center. An entrance to the gallery opened from Vladislav Hall in 1598. This allowed court officials direct access to services.
Now notice the single nave. It blends a Gothic choir with a Renaissance nave. The choir has a five sided end. Gothic traceried windows illuminate it. The Renaissance nave includes two side chapels. The vaulting dates to 1580. It displays four emblems. These are of Queen Elizabeth Isabella. The chapter of All Saints emblems appear twice.
The main altar features a painting. Václav Vavřinec Reiner created it. It depicts All Saints. Saint Procopius and Saint John of Nepomuk stand in front. The Holy Trinity is above them. Richard Prachner designed the architecture and carvings.
A side altar stands on the nave’s north side. This is Saint Procopius’ tomb. It looks like a gilded wood sculpture. Reliefs show scenes from his life. František Ignác Weiss carved it in 1738. The sculpture shows Saint Procopius kneeling. The tomb stood in the choir’s center. It was moved to the wall in 1768.
The nave’s south side contains another side altar. It features a painting. It shows the Deposition from the Cross. The predella shows the Chrudim Salvator image.
The interior has Baroque features. These date from 1732 and 1750. The stone gallery is from 1732. K. I. Dienzenhofer likely created it.
Twelve scenes hang on the choir walls. They illustrate Saint Procopius’ legend. Christian Dittmann painted them between 1668 and 1669. Alois Kinner commissioned these.
The altar depicts the holy archangels. A mannerist painting shows Archangel Michael. Gabriel and Raphael stand on each side. Denis Calvaert painted it. A copy of the Virgin Mary of the Snows hangs on a pillar. It came from the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica in Rome.
The Baroque organ moved here in 1969. It originated from a church in Skapce. The Kostel Všech Svatých stands as a testament. It reflects Prague’s layered history. From its humble beginnings to its artistic treasures, it represents Czech resilience.