Saint Thomas

Has anyone ever told you about the beer-brewing monks of Saint Thomas’ Church? Here we stand before Saint Thomas’ Church in Prague, a structure that has witnessed centuries of history, fires, and even beer brewing. Saint Thomas’ Church, nestled in Malá Strana, is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a testament to resilience, a symbol of faith, and a repository of fascinating stories. The church’s history begins before 1227 with Benedictine monks from Břevnov Monastery. They built the original Romanesque structure, including the Chapel of St. Dorothy. Then, in 1285, the Augustinians took over. King Václav II and his wife, Guta, commissioned a grand Gothic church, and a monastery arose alongside it, serving as a center of learning. Saint Thomas’ Church was officially consecrated in 1379. But peace wouldn’t last. The Hussite Wars brought destruction in 1420, damaging the church and burning down the monastery. Then, not once, but twice more, fire ravaged Saint Thomas’ Church, in 1503 and again in 1541. Each time, it was painstakingly rebuilt. The church we admire today, with its striking Baroque facade, is largely thanks to architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. He redesigned it after yet another fire in 1725, cleverly preserving the Renaissance portals to save on costs. Inside Saint Thomas’ Church, look up to admire Václav Vavřinec Reiner’s breathtaking frescoes. They depict scenes from the lives of St. Augustine and St. Thomas. Ferdinand Brokoff’s wooden carvings of Saints Augustine, Monica, and Ludmila add to the richness. And now for that beer story. The Augustinian monastery beside Saint Thomas’ Church brewed its own beer until 1951. Imagine the monks, diligently crafting their brews within these historic walls. The aroma of hops and malt mingling with the scent of incense. This little-known fact adds another layer to the church’s rich tapestry. Saint Thomas’ Church isn’t just a place of worship; it’s a place where history comes alive, whispering stories of faith, resilience, and even a little bit of beer.