Legend whispers of a wild bear a terrifying beast guarding the graves of Ctirad’s warriors. Prince Boleslav II the Pious once lost his way in the forest. He stumbled upon this very spot. This is the Church of Saint Matthias in Prague. It stands as a testament to a miraculous escape. The legend says that Saint Matthias himself appeared saving the prince from the bear’s claws.
The Church of Saint Matthias isn’t just a building. It’s a living story rooted deep in Prague’s history. Archaeological digs revealed Bronze Age settlements right here. Later there were Knovíz and Lusatian culture graves. Even Slavic artifacts were found.
The first church a small rotunda or chapel supposedly built in 971. This is according to legend. This first church was possibly consecrated by Saint Adalbert. A more reliable record dates back to 1404. The church survived the Hussite Wars. Catholic services resumed in 1521. It was eventually demolished in 1770. The present Baroque church you see was built in its place. It’s a beautiful testament to the late Baroque style.
The current Church of Saint Matthias was constructed in 1771. František Xaver Strachovský paid for its construction. He was the provost of the Metropolitan Chapter of Saint Vitus. The church was blessed on July 4 1771. Prague’s Bishop Jan Ondřej Kayser consecrated it later that year.
Sadly the Church of Saint Matthias has faced adversity. It was robbed repeatedly. A lightning strike in 1840 severely damaged its interior. The iron bells melted. New bells replaced them. These were unfortunately taken during World War II.
The church is a simple yet elegant structure. Its western facade has a small square chancel and a larger square nave with chamfered corners. The design is the work of an unknown yet skilled architect. The vaults have the shape of so-called Bohemian pancakes.
Inside the Church of Saint Matthias is a treasure of art. Its main altar is exquisite Rococo. The painting of Saint Matthias above it dates back to 1699. It’s likely by early Baroque painter Kristián Dittmann. The background illustrates the legend of the church’s founding. The provost Strachovský’s coat of arms is painted in the upper part.
The Rococo pulpit is adorned with figures of Faith Hope and Charity. The baptismal font came from St. George’s Basilica. A Baroque relief of the Holy Trinity once hung above the pulpit. It was stolen in the 1990s. An artwork by Jiří Anderle replaced it.
The Church of Saint Matthias was always the destination of a major pilgrimage. The first record is from 1595. Pope Clement VIII granted indulgences. The pilgrimage became Prague’s first spring festival. It was so popular that a quarter of a million people attended in the 1920s. After the 1960s the festivities moved to Prague’s exhibition grounds.
Today the Church of Saint Matthias in Prague remains a significant landmark. It’s a symbol of faith resilience and Prague’s rich history. Its story blends legend with fact creating a captivating tale. The gingerbread nativity scenes displayed during Christmas add to its unique charm. This truly is a place where history faith and tradition intertwine.