The ornate details within the Basilica of St. James in Prague

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Tucked rather discretely among the opulent, ornate buildings in Old Town, Prague lies the Basilica of St. James (Bazilika svatého Jakuba Většího). From the outside, this rather nonchalant church can easily be missed however once inside be prepared to be spellbound by its elaborate, thrilling beauty.

Bazilika svatého Jakuba Většího

Built in the 13th century in Gothic style over a Minorite monastery, the church suffered three different fires. It was eventually destroyed by the third fire in 1689 and rebuilt in the beautiful Baroque style it appears today. It is the second largest church in Prague after St. Vitus Cathedral and contains an impressive collection of elaborate sculptures, art and paintings.

The interior of the church was designed by Italian artist Ottavio Mosto and contains over 20 altars along with several important sculptures including the sculpture of Pietr and the Virgin Mary at the main altar which date back to the 15th century.

In 1705 an organ designed by the famous Czech organist Abraham Starka of Loket was added to the church and today the church is world renown for its amazing acoustics.

The magnificent organ has been repaired and reconstructed many times over the years with its last reconstruction in the early 80s.  This impressive instrument has four manuals, 91 stops and 8,277 pipes.

The interior of the church is absolutely awe-inspiring with its ornate sculptures and grand marble pillars and arches that grace the church. The church also holds the famous tomb of the past Czech Chancellor Vratislav of Mitorovice. It has been rumored that he was found lying up inside the tomb trying to get out but whether that is true is yet to be known. The tomb is known as one of the most beautiful tombs in all of Bohemia.

The church is open 9:30 to noon, and 2-4 pm daily except for services. They also offer organ concerts to the public.

If you go:

Address:
Mala Stupartska – Prague 1

How to get there:
Walk from the Old Town Square to Tynska street, then continue through the Ungelt. Mala Stupartska street is behind the Ungelt.

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Details. 

 

43 thoughts on “The ornate details within the Basilica of St. James in Prague”

  1. Jane Lurie – Hello! Berenice Abbott said, “Photography helps people to see.” It is satisfying when someone looks at one of my images and remarks that they now see something in a new way. I hope that my photographs delight and surprise you.
    Jane Lurie on said:

    It is an amazing place. Great shots.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Jane!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy!

      Reply ↓
  4. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    It’s unbelievably ornate, Nicole. Great photos of all the details.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sylvia!

      Reply ↓
  5. Alok Singhal – Piscataway, NJ, USA – The credit for starting this blog goes to my wife, Saru Singhal (www.sarusinghal.com), who inspired me to connect with the world through this amazing medium! I plan to write mostly on my Travels and also on Humor (check 'Categories' filter on blog); other posts include Personal Experiences, Lessons in Life, and Health Issues. There are some speeches too (mostly Humorous) from my association with Toastmasters, which i absolutely love. I also write Sponsored Posts for various Brands. I am lucky to have credibility from fellow bloggers and that reflects in 'Blogger Awards' link; additional Testimonials are in the form of Wins in a few blogging Contests, which one can see in 'Contest Wins' :) I am loving all of it and hope you enjoy too. Welcome here :)
    Alok Singhal on said:

    Such an intricate work, and absolutely lovely. Your large pics are a treat to the eyes 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! Really glad you liked the post!

      Reply ↓

  6. More than a few beautiful details here, Nicole. The churches in Europe are gorgeous, awesome in the true sense of the word. How sad that many house only very small congregations.

    janet

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet! 😌

      Reply ↓
  7. dennyho – A Virginia native, I was born in RVA. In my twenties I married and moved to SoCal where I learned to love a new landscape, was forced to drop my ever present southern 'ma'am', and discovered the necessity of honing my (lacking) map skills. In due time I found myself in C'bus where our daughter arrived and gladly I put myself second. Next city on tour was the 'Burgh (as in PA) and here we welcomed our son. Many years later, I now reside in E'ville, Virginia, Earlysville for those of you who may not know of my sleepy little hamlet resting within Charlottesville in the piedmont of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As I look back over the the abbreviated stops along my life's highway I know I've stepped foot in every spot, met every person, and experienced every high and low for exacting yet unknown reasons bringing me to where I am today. The who I am today is because I travelled that highway, made those stops, and dared to believe I do have it all.
    dennyho on said:

    Planning a trip to Prague for next year!!! Thanks for posting these teasers…

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      How fun! Let me know if you have any questions. I still have more posts to write on Prague so stay tuned. 🌟

      Reply ↓
      • dennyho – A Virginia native, I was born in RVA. In my twenties I married and moved to SoCal where I learned to love a new landscape, was forced to drop my ever present southern 'ma'am', and discovered the necessity of honing my (lacking) map skills. In due time I found myself in C'bus where our daughter arrived and gladly I put myself second. Next city on tour was the 'Burgh (as in PA) and here we welcomed our son. Many years later, I now reside in E'ville, Virginia, Earlysville for those of you who may not know of my sleepy little hamlet resting within Charlottesville in the piedmont of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As I look back over the the abbreviated stops along my life's highway I know I've stepped foot in every spot, met every person, and experienced every high and low for exacting yet unknown reasons bringing me to where I am today. The who I am today is because I travelled that highway, made those stops, and dared to believe I do have it all.
        dennyho on said:

        Thanks

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        🙂

  8. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    Definitely opulent! Interesting and fitting that it was designed by an Italian – it looks that way to me!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I loved the churches in Prague. So beautiful

      Reply ↓

  9. Pingback: The ornate details within the Basilica of St. James in Prague | shresthajohnbode

  10. Pingback: Details (Offspring) | What's (in) the picture?

  11. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    Wow, that is one amazing over-the-top building! Beautiful!
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes it was a treasure of a find indeed. We were the only ones here!

      Reply ↓
  12. galeweithers – Barbados – Barbadian mother and lover of laughter; story teller and best-selling author; happy to follow God's lead and to live my mantra: "you've gotta be a rainbow in the lives of others when it rains."
    galeweithers on said:

    These photos definitely take detail to another level. Thinking about the amount of work and effort invested is mind-boggling because not one little detail is missed. Great photos; thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Gale!

      Reply ↓

  13. It looks incredible – sensory overload. Your photos of the church really turned out well.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! 😊

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So glad you enjoyed Peta! 😊

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Lisa! Yes Prague is quite unbelievable! So much has survived for centuries.

      Reply ↓

  16. We love visiting churches and cathedrals whenever we travel but I often have a difficult time capturing the ornate details in some that I have seen. Your photos are just stunning!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! I do too as the lightening inside is not great. For these I actually used my iPhone which worked better inside.

      Reply ↓

      • Good to know.

  17. Dear thirdeyemom

    you are a awesom women who made a lot of difference in the lives of poor people. My name is Rajesh kumar from South india, we have a charitable turst called global relief and new development trust. We also work for poor people and families.

    My sincere request is we are in great need for bicycles for poor girls who go to school . They need to walk 3 km to go school which is very hard for them. we identified 100 poor girls who cannot afford bicycle to go to school.

    Please consider our request please help us to make a big difference in girls education. please let me know your thougts and plans. We have all permission to do this charity work. my email is globalrelief4development@gmail.com

    Thank you very much
    Rajesh kumar

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you for the email! Please email me at thirdeyemom@yahoo.com. I may be able to help you find some contacts to help. Thanks! Nicole

      Reply ↓

  18. Hey are you in Prague, or just recently? I was there a couple weeks ago. I’ve been offline, and just found this post. I fell in love with Prague, and may have to return some day…but maybe in winter when there aren’t so many tourists, eh! I wonder if you’re the lady I ran over with the Segway???

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I was in Prague in early May and loved it. I just got home from Romania which was awesome too. Nope not me on the Segway!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! Yes it was hard and I actually had to use my iPhone for these photos since the lightening was poor. Sometimes it works better. Thanks!

      Reply ↓
  20. Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
    Miriam on said:

    Wow! Ornate is an understatement. What incredible beauty.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I never probably would have found this church if it wasn’t for my uncle. He was teaching at a university about two hours outside of Prague and met me, my mom and sister in Prague for a day. He gave us a tour and showed us this church right near our hotel. It was so spectacular inside!

      Reply ↓
      • Miriam – Australia – I’m a wonder lusting woman, a musician, a freelance travel writer and magazine columnist. Utterly passionate about travel and life and turning the ordinary moments into the extraordinary. My motto is “just do it”.
        Miriam on said:

        I guess that makes it even more special. Local knowledge makes all the difference when traveling.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Very true Miriam. 🙂

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