Prayers whispered here for centuries echo around us at Saint James the Greater. Founded in 1232, Saint James the Greater began as a shrine. It possibly housed a relic of St James. King Otakar I likely acquired this relic. By 1244, it evolved into a Franciscan monastery. This monastery stood at a crucial crossroads. It was just behind the entrance to the Old Town Square.
Imagine a devastating fire in 1689. Anti-Habsburg French arsonists ignited it. The fire engulfed Saint James the Greater. It also destroyed over 700 houses. For 50 years, Saint James the Greater was rebuilt. Jan Simon Panek planned the baroque style reconstruction. Only the groundplan and clocktower’s body remained gothic.
Look closely at the west end facade. Notice the theatrical reliefs depicting St James’ life. Ottavio Mosto of Padua sculpted them in 1695. He also created the original statue of Saint Wenceslas on the Charles Bridge. See St Anthony of Padua on the left. Find St Francis of Assisi on the right. Mosto was influenced by Bernini.
Step inside Saint James the Greater. Marvel at the lavish interior. Twenty-one side chapels adorn the space. Frantisek Voget’s ceiling frescoes narrate Mary’s life. They also glorify the Trinity. Don’t miss Count Vratislav of Mitrovice’s tomb. J.B. Fischer von Erlach designed it.
Have you spotted the shrivelled human arm hanging inside the western wall? Legend says a thief tried to steal jewels from the Virgin Mary statue around 1400. The Virgin grabbed his wrist with such force that his arm had to be cut off. Some say the butchers’ guild administered their own justice here.
Listen closely. Saint James the Greater boasts a magnificent organ. Abraham Stark of Loket built the organ case in 1705. The organ case remains admired today. In 1941, the organ was expanded. Romantic elements were added to the original Baroque design. The latest reconstruction finished in 1982. It has four manuals, 91 stops and 8,277 pipes.
Consider this honor. In 1974, Pope Paul VI designated Saint James the Greater as a Basilica Minor. The monastery is a stop on the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela. Saint James the Greater stands as a testament to Prague’s rich history. It embodies resilience after the great fire. Its art and music continue to inspire.