Svatá Anna

Gazing upon Svatá Anna, a serene wayside shrine, evokes a sense of tranquility. Svatá Anna, nestled in the heart of Prague, whispers tales of devotion and history. This unassuming shrine, dedicated to Saint Anne, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Svatá Anna has witnessed the passage of time, standing as a silent observer of Prague’s ever-evolving story. According to chronicler Václav Hájek of Libočany, the history of this site dates back to 927. Prince Wenceslas supposedly founded a church dedicated to St. Vavrinec here. However, archaeological surveys in the 1950s disproved this, revealing the remains of a Romanesque rotunda from the first half of the 12th century. Svatá Anna’s current form emerged in the 14th century as a Gothic single-nave church with a polygonal chancel. It became the property of the female Dominican Order in 1313, marking the beginning of its construction. The church was completed in the 1460s. Fragments of votive frescoes from the 1470s still adorn the interior, showcasing the artistic style of King Charles IV’s reign. A new Dominican monastery was built adjacent to the church around the same time. Remarkably, Svatá Anna survived the Hussite Wars unscathed, possibly due to the rumored kinship between the abbess and Hussite leader Jan Žižka. The monastery operated until 1782 when Emperor Josef II’s reforms led to its closure. Later, it housed a printing works, even issuing Czechoslovakia’s first banknotes in 1919. The Dagmar and Václav Havel Foundation VIZE 97 rented the church in 1999, initiating restoration efforts. Today, Svatá Anna stands as a testament to its rich past, a place where history and spirituality intertwine. Its simple elegance invites quiet contemplation and a moment of respite from the bustling city.