Povýšení svatého Kříže

“A church repurposed, you say?” The whispers followed us as we approached the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Žižkov, Prague. It’s a building that has seen more than its fair share of transformations. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross stands as a testament to the ever-shifting tides of history. Built between 1717 and 1719, this baroque gem initially served as a solemn sanctuary, commissioned by the Archbishop Jan František Crusa of Krausenberka. It was erected on the site of a former plague cemetery, a poignant reminder of the devastating epidemics that swept through Prague in the early 18th century. Imagine, beneath our feet lie the remains of those lost to the plague of 1713-1716. The very ground resonates with stories of suffering and resilience. The church’s sandstone portal, adorned with a carved Latin inscription, bears witness to its original dedication. During the French occupation of Prague, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross served a grim purpose. Thousands of French soldiers, felled by war or disease, were interred in mass graves beneath the church. Their presence, though unseen, adds another layer of historical significance to this already fascinating place. Until 1782, a hermit of the Ivanite order resided at the church. He served as both bell-ringer and alms collector. This small detail gives us a glimpse into the daily life that once revolved around this now-transformed space. In 1784, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross became the first parish church in Žižkov. This marked a shift in its function and the end of the cemetery’s use. Its role as a spiritual center was relatively short-lived, however. By 1842, it ceased its religious function, its congregation moving to the Church of St. Roch. The transformation didn’t end there. The surrounding area developed, encroaching upon the former cemetery grounds. The once-sacred space became a storage facility, then later, during the construction of apartment buildings, skeletal remains were unearthed, reminding residents of the land’s layered past. Perhaps the most dramatic transformation began in the late 1970s. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross underwent a significant renovation, evolving into the Atrium, a concert and exhibition hall. The adjacent courtyard was redesigned, creating a tranquil space featuring a sandstone statue named “Poetry”. This evolution continues. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross remains a vital part of Prague’s cultural landscape. It stands as a symbol of adaptation, a testament to the enduring power of human creativity to reshape and reimagine spaces across time.