Betlémská kaple Chapel
Betlémská kaple stands on Bethlehem Square in Old Town, Prague, dedicated to the memory of Bethlehem babies. Established in 1391 as a place for sermon in Czech, it is deeply linked to Jan Hus and the Czech Reformation Movement.
The chapel was founded by the charter of 24 May 1391 by Hanuš from Mühlheim and Jan Kříjej. The construction lasted from 1391 to 1394. The building was designed originally - it was designed exclusively for sermon in mother tongue, in Czech. Unlike the common chapel, she lacked a presbytery, because it was not built to celebrate the Eucharist. During time, however, it also started to be used for mass, "under both ways." This proves a niche which most likely acted as a sanctuary.
The name of Jan Husa, who became its administrator on 14 March 1402, has been inseparably associated with the chapel and has been preaching since then. In 1412, during the storm against indulgences, three of Hus's followers - Martin, John and Stasek - were buried in the chapel as martyrs, who were executed for verbal resistance to the report of indulgences. We date the last of Hus' sermons in Bethlehem until February 1413. It is particularly remarkable that Hus was also rector of Prague University in 1409-1410, which gradually combined the band with academic life. His sermon was also attended by Queen Sophie of Bavaria, the second wife of Václav IV.
In the late Middle Ages and Renaissance, the chapel served as a common parish church. Jan Hus' legacy was constantly mentioned here. In 1521, reformer Tomáš Muntzer preached here. In 1548, the chapel was redesigned "for the honor and praise of God and the famous memory of Master Jan Hus." In this epoch, a number of important Prague townspeople were also buried here.
After the State of Rudolf II, the Brotherly Unity took over. In 1622, Ferdinand II gave it to the Jesuits. The Jesuit Seminar of St. Wenceslas was gradually formed here. After the abolition of the Jesuit Order in 1773, the chapel served as a filial church. In 1786 it was mostly demolished because of its ill condition; The only thing left is a torsion of the perimeter walls. The next few years, the plot served as a wood warehouse. In 1836-1837 a three-storey apartment building was built here; Old masonry was used by the construction.
The chapel resurfaced in 1915, commemorating the 500 anniversary of Hus' death. The historian and architect Alois Kubíček discovered the remains of the gothic window here. After February 1948, the State's management decided to renew the chapel on Zdeněk Nejedlý's initiative. Architect Jaroslav Fragner designed reconstruction in the first half of the 1950s using all preserved parts.
Today's Betlémská kaple serves as an auditorium of Czech Technical University and other Prague universities. It became a living witness to the Czech Reformation Movement and the legacy of Jan Hus.
Then and now
Drag the slider to compare how the landmark may have looked when it was built with the view today.
The historical appearance on the left is an AI-generated visualisation and serves as inspiration only.
Historical milestones
- 1391
- The founding of the Hanusha Chapel of Mühlheim and John the Cross.
- 1402
- Jan Hus became the Chapel Manager.
- 1413
- The last sermon of John Hus in the Bethlehem Chapel.
Architectural development
Betlémská kaple was built in 1391-1394 as a place for sermon in Czech, without presbytery. After centuries of neglect and destruction in 1786, it was reconstructed in the 1950s using preserved parts and engravings, reflecting the architectural style of its time.
Historical events
- 1402
- Jan Hus became the Chapel Manager.
- 1413
- The last sermon of John Hus in the Bethlehem Chapel.
- 1915
- The monument was of interest to the historian Alois Kubíček.
- 1950s
- Reconstruction according to design J. Fragnera and B. Hook.
Owners
- 1391
- 1622-1661
- 1786
- 1915-1948
- 1950s
Points of interest
- Betlémská kaple was founded on 24 May 1391 by Hanuš from Mühlheim and Jan Kříjej.
- The chapel was designed for sermon in Czech, without presbytery, which made it different from the ordinary chapel.
- Jana Hus became the administrator of the chapel on 14 March 1402 and here he preached until February 1413.
- In 1521 at the Bethlehem Chapel, Reformer Tomas Muntzer preached.
- After February 1948 it was reconstructed according to the design of architect Jaroslav Fragner.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
Show guide text
This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to the Bethlehem Chapel, an important monument in Old Town in Prague. You stand before a unique chapel that differs from other sacral structures with its simple and simple appearance. Take a look up and notice its simple roof and ledge, which supply a chapel of airy and slightly archaic appearance.
Let's move on to history and find out who and why he founded this chapel. Betlémská kaple was founded on 24 May 1391 by Hanuš from Mühlheim and Jan Kříž. It was designed specifically for sermon in Czech, which differed it from the ordinary chapels of the time. In this way it became the centre of the Hussite movement, which developed here under the leadership of Jan Hus.
Note that the chapel does not have a presbytery, which is another difference from the classical chapel. This solution was chosen precisely for the purposes of sermon in Czech. Now pay attention to the facade of the chapel where you can see a simple facade with simple windows.
Jan Hus became administrator of the chapel on 14 March 1402 and here he preached until February 1413. His work in the Bethlehem Chapel was crucial to the development of the Hussite movement. In 1521 Jan Bohuslav, another important figure of Czech Reformation, also preached in the Bethlehem Chapel.
Let's go back to the present and look at the reconstruction of the chapel that took place in the 1950s. It is an illustrative example of the historical care of the time that tried to preserve the original character of the chapel.
Invitation to further explore the chapel offers you a unique environment that combines historical significance with simple and simple appearance. Say goodbye to the Bethlehem Chapel and continue exploring the history and culture of Prague.
Tips for visitors
The best time to visit the Bethlehem Chapel is in the early afternoon when there are fewer people and sunlight supplies the historic walls of the chapel of fine color. This time also allows you to enjoy a calm atmosphere for deeper reflection on its importance.
During the proposed visit it is good to take your purse with you, especially if you plan to extend your stay around and discover other historical monuments. In addition, it may be useful to carry sunglasses if you visit the chapel at a clear noon.
Photography of the Bethlehem Chapel offers the best possibilities from the side of the square where it is possible to capture the overall view of the monument and its architectural beauty. The best light for the photograph is usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there is not too sharp sunlight.
In the vicinity of the Bethlehem Chapel there are other historical monuments such as the Nazareth and Loudov Dorm. These places can be easily visited during the visit, which will prolong the fun and educational aspect of your day in Prague.
For families with children, Betlémská kaple is interesting not only in its history but also in a live square. Children can enjoy a walk around the sights and discover other attractions in the surroundings such as the possibility to visit nearby museums or parks.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
Religious buildings are usually open mainly during services; at other times a visit is normally arranged with the parish or the operator. We have not verified specific times. According to the heritage register restoration is under way, so access may be restricted.
Where is the monument?
Location: Betlémské nám. 256/5, Staré Město, Praha, Hlavní město Praha. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of Cultural Monuments of the Czech Republic as a national cultural monument (register no. 106).
For kids
Imagine going back 635 years to Prague, which was then a small town full of wooden houses and narrow streets. So this is where you'd be standing at the Bethlehem Chapel this morning.
So, what did it look like here? Who lived here? What happened here? Imagine you're a little knight and riding a horse down a narrow alley. On each side are wooden houses with small windows and doors. The city is full of people in clothes from a hundred years ago.
Businesses nearby
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Nearby
Betlémská kaple is located on Bethlehem Square in Prague, close to other historical monuments such as the Nazareth and Loudov Dorm. The surrounding area is rich in cultural heritage with access to the main Prague institutions.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Search tours and activities →Themed route
1. Betlémská kaple (main objective) Betlémská kaple is the only preserved building from the Baroque architecture period in Prague. It is a unique building with a rich history and significant art equipment.
2. National Museum (approx. 1.5 km) The National Museum is the largest museum in the Czech Republic. Located in a historic building which was built in a classical style. There is an exhibition of Czech history, art and science.
3. Loudova Dorm (approx. 0.5 km) Lou's dorm is a building complex built in the 17th century. It is an important historical object that was originally used as a college for students of Prague University.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring:
Spring is an ideal time to visit the Bethlehem Chapel because it can be easily connected with the Old Town walk. The atmosphere is calm and calm, which allows a thorough sightseeing tour. The lighting is soft and subtle, which contributes to a romantic feeling. We recommend visiting the chapel in the morning to avoid crowds of tourism.
Summer:
Summer is the main season for visitors to the Bethlehem Chapel. Given its small size, however, it is recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds. The lighting is clearer and allows you to see the details of architecture. In the summer months it is also an ideal time to visit the neighboring park where it is pleasant to sit.
Autumn:
In autumn the Betlémská kaple is surrounded by a calm and calm atmosphere. The lighting is mild and blinding, which allows a sightseeing tour without interference. We recommend visiting the chapel in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Winter:
Winter is calm and calm. The lighting is soft and subtle, which contributes to a romantic feeling. We recommend visiting the chapel in the morning to avoid crowds. In winter there is also an ideal time for a tour of the indoor areas, where there is a pleasant and warm environment.
Visualizations and artistic views
The visualisations are generated by artificial intelligence and serve as inspiration.
Photos from the area
Real photos taken near the monument
Zdroj a licence jsou uvedeny u každého snímku.
View from the area
This animation was generated by artificial intelligence from a real photograph of the surroundings. The motion and details are not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: http://cs.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedista_diskuse:Kf / Public domain, rozlišení zvýšeno umělou inteligencí — Wikimedia Commons. The author and licence also appear when you hover over the image.
Faktickým podkladem tohoto textu byl článek na Wikipedii, jehož autory jsou přispěvatelé Wikipedie. Článek je dostupný pod licencí CC BY-SA 4.0.
Location on the map
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