Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné a svatého Antonína Paduánského Church
Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné a svatého Antonína Paduánského stands on the Malá Strana in Prague 1, in Carmelite Street under Petřín. The monastery of the order of barefoot carmelitans is adjacent to the temple. The construction is known primarily as the home of the statue of Prague Jesulina, which has a nickname and attracts pilgrims from Spanish-speaking countries and from other parts of the world.
The origin of the church dates back to the early 17th century. In 1611-1613, the late Renaissance Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity was built according to the project by Giovanni Mario Filippi. The construction was oriented by the main altar to the east with the entrance from the western, Petrin side. The situation has fundamentally changed after the Battle of White Mountain. The church was closed, but the order of non-footwear carmelitans won it in the intercession of Dominika à Jesu Maria. On 7 September 1624, the first carmelite communities were introduced into the temple by the vicar general Kaspar Arsenius of Radbuza. The day later, the Apostolic Visitor of the Minorites Jan Savonanti dedicated him to the Virgin Mary of the Victory and Saint Anthony of Padua. The choice of patrocinia was deeply symbolic - it linked Marian's respect to the Catholic victory in the Belarusian battle. At the end of October 1624, the first monks from Vienna came to the monastery with the intention of establishing a novice, which was already transferred to Munich in 1630 because of the lack of funding.
Between 1625 and 1644 the church underwent a major reconstruction. His orientation was changed - the temple ship was turned west. A half-circle presbytery with a monk's choir was created. The facade was adapted according to the patterns of Italian Carmelite churches Santa Maria della Scala, Santa Maria della Vittoria and St. Susan's Church. A statue of the Virgin Mary was placed above the entrance portal. The facade is decorated with the emblem of the Carmelite Order and the plastic coat of arms of the founder of Don Baltasar de Marradas with the Maltese cross and heraldic elements referring to its Valencian origin. The memory plate from 1659 on the side of the temple captures the foundation of the hermit of Prague Jesulina, which was donated by the widowed Countess of Oppersdorf Elizabeth Constantine. The tower was built in 1669.
Since 1641 a statue of Prague Jesulina has been permanently in the church. Gradually, believers attributed her miraculous powers. In 1655 she was crowned by the Bishop of Prague. Respect for it has spread gradually around the world. After the imperial decree of Josef II from 1784 the monastery was abolished, but the church remained like a parish temple. Carmelitans managed to return to their monastery and church only on 2nd July 1993 after more than 200 years. In recent years, between 2006 and 2023, an extensive reconstruction of the main altar was carried out under the direction of the restorer Mgr. Daniel Talavery.
Today's church represents one of the most important buildings of an early Baroque in Prague with a rich interior, mostly from the 17th century. It combines architectural and historical value with the lively function of the pilgrimage site, which preserved its original spiritual and artistic character.
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
- 1611
- Establishment of the Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity according to the project by Giovanni Mario Filippi
- 1624
- The church was won by Carmelitans, dedicated to Our Lady of Victory and St. Anthony of Padua
- 1641
- The statue of the Prague Jesulina was permanently placed in the church
- 1659
- The foundation of the hermitage of Prague Jesulina based on the gift of Elizabeth Constantine from Oppersdorf
- 1784
- The monastery was canceled, the church went to secular administration
- 1993
- Church returned to Carmelitans after 209 years
Architectural development
The basic Renaissance Church of the Holy Trinity (1611-1613) was rebuilt by carmelitans to Western orientation (1625-1644) with a semi-circular presbytery and a monk choir. The facade was modified in 1636-1642 according to Roman designs, the tower was completed in 1669. The interior maintains a 17th-century mobility, including the main altar from the Carmelite administration. In the 21st century there was a reconstruction, e.g. the main altar (2006- 2023).
Historical events
- 1624
- The church was won by Carmelitans on White Mountain, dedicated to Our Lady of Victory and St. Anthony of Paduan
- 1641
- Permanent location of the statue of Prague Jesulina in church
- 1784
- The monastery cancelled by Josef II., the church moved to the secular administration
- 1993
- Church returned to Carmelitans after 209 years
Points of interest
- The church was originally built in 1611-1613 as the Lutheran Temple of the Holy Trinity, until after the White Mountain was transformed into Catholic.
- In 1624, the Carmelites acquired it and dedicated it to the Virgin Mary of the Victory and Saint Anthony of Paduan as a symbol of the Catholic victory.
- The statue of Prague Jesulina has been here since 1641 and was crowned by the Bishop of Prague in 1655.
- The church underwent reconstruction in 1625-1644, in which the orientation was changed and a semi-circular presbytery was created.
- The monastery was abolished by the imperial decree of Josef II. in 1784, but the carmelitans did not return until 1993.
Guide
This guide is narrated by a synthetic voice generated by artificial intelligence.
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This text was created by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
The Church of Our Lady Victorious and Saint Anthony of Padua stands below Petřín on Karmelitská Street on Malá Strana. It belongs to a monastery of the Discalced Carmelites. People often simply call it the Church of the Prague Infant Jesus. It is precisely the statue of the Infant Jesus, to which miraculous power is attributed, that brings pilgrims from all over the world here, especially from Spanish-speaking countries. The church is also an important early Baroque building and contains valuable furnishings inside, mostly from the seventeenth century.
But its beginnings are different. Between 1611 and 1613, according to Giovanni Maria Filippi, a late Renaissance Lutheran church of the Holy Trinity was built here. The main altar was on the east side, facing toward the street, and the entrance was from the Petřín side.
After the Battle of White Mountain, the church was closed. Through the intercession of Domingo á Jesus María, the Discalced Carmelites acquired it and were installed here on September 7, 1624. The very next day, at the request of Emperor Ferdinand the Second, the church was dedicated to Our Lady Victorious and Saint Anthony of Padua. The Marian dedication referred to an image from Štěnovice. The miraculous power of this image was attributed to the victory of the Catholic army at White Mountain.
Between 1625 and 1644, the Carmelites undertook extensive modifications to the church. They reoriented it toward the west and added a semicircular presbytery with a monastic choir. The facade took on the form of Roman Carmelite churches. The patron don Baltasar de Marradas, a native of Valencia, contributed to its reconstruction, though he did not live to see its completion. His coat of arms with a count's crown, framed by white arms of the Maltese cross, adorns the cornice. In a niche above the entrance is a statue of Our Lady, today a copy from 1944. The tower was completed in 1669.
The statue of the Prague Infant Jesus has been in the church permanently since 1641. In 1655, the Prague bishop solemnly crowned it, and devotion to the Infant Jesus gradually spread throughout the world.
In 1784, Emperor Joseph the Second dissolved the monastery. The building was given to the financial office and a gymnasium, where a primary school is located today. The church became a parish church and was administered by the Knights of Malta from the nearby Church of Our Lady under the Chain. The Carmelites returned here after more than two hundred years, on July 2, 1993. Between 2006 and 2023, restorer Daniel Talavera led the renovation of the main altar.
Tips for visitors
Best time to visit the church is in the morning when it is quiet and you can see the interior without crowds. Another suitable period is after lunch, when most tourists visit other attractions in Mala Strana. In summer it is advisable to avoid the noon hours when the church is often hot and busy. Baroque architecture and light falling through windows in the morning creates a unique atmosphere.
The church is accessible by car and public transport. If you arrive by car, it is recommended to find a parking lot near Malostranska Street or Peace Square. Public transport can be reached by tram or bus to stop nearby, for example in Malostranska Square. The current connection and parking options can be found in the map search engine.
When visiting take on comfortable clothes and shoes as the church and its surroundings offer lots of stairs and stone surfaces. In winter it is advisable to dress warmer because the interior can be cold. For convenience, you will also bring a small towel or cloth for any dirt on the floor. If you are planning to take pictures, remember to take a flashlight or mobile charger.
Photography is allowed in the church, but it is necessary to take care to respect other visitors. The best places for photos are the main altar with the picture of Our Lady of Victory and the statue of St. Anthony of Paduan. It is suitable to photograph in natural light, for example in the morning or in the afternoon when light creates softer shadows. It is advisable to avoid lightning in the interior to avoid damage to the paintings.
In the vicinity of the church is worth visiting Petřín lookout tower, which is approximately 500 metres away. It's an iconic monument overlooking the whole city. Another interesting thing is the Church of the Virgin Mary under the chain, located about 800 metres from the church. This church is connected with the history of Maltese knights and offers beautiful architecture. It is advisable for families with children to visit a nearby playground or walk down Malostranska street, where there are many picturesque houses and cafés.
For families with children it is advisable to visit the church at a time when the children are calm and will not disturb other visitors. Children can see the statues of the holy and colorful decoration of the church. You can also visit Petrín orchards where children can run and play. For the sake of interest, children can also be interested in visiting the Church of Our Lady under a chain, where there is a small museum with historical objects.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
Yes. We verified the opening hours or admission on the official website (2. 10. 2026); you will find them in the visitor information on this page. Please double-check with the operator before you travel.
What are the opening hours and admission?
Details verified on the official website (2. 10. 2026) are listed in the visitor information on this page. Official website: https://www.pragjesu.cz/
Where is the monument?
Location: Malá Strana, 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 cultural monument. It is protected as part of a larger listed ensemble.
For kids
Imagine coming back 415 years and finding yourself in Prague, where stands the beautiful church of Our Lady of Victory and Saint Anthony of Paduan. It was built in 1611 when Praha was still a young town.
Whenever you walked down the aisle, you would see a church with its amazing wreath and a tall statue of the Virgin Mary on top. The church was built at the time when Praha became the capital of Czech countries. People lived at the time when the church was very powerful and the churches were the centers of the village.
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
- Iconica of Prague skyline, built on the site of former Petřín Chateau
- Another important church on the Malá Strana, originally connected with Maltese knights
- Green complex with vineyards, gardens and historical buildings
- Gothic church in Malotranska Square, known as
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
Guided tours, tickets and activities nearby from GetYourGuide
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Thematic cruise route to the Little Party with the Church of Our Lady of Victory and Saint Anthony of Padua
1.Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné a svatého Antonína Paduánského Baroque church from the 18th century with richly decorated interior and sculpture decoration. Its dominant is the altar of St. Anthony, which attracts not only believers but also art lovers.
2. Petrin Sets Around 300 metres from the church is a green oasis with vineyards and historical gazebo. Ideal place to relax and walk with a view of the Petřín View and Old Town.
3. Petrin View The symbol of Prague, built on the site of the former chateau. The output by 600 stairs or lift rewards panoramic views of the entire metropolis.
4. Church of the Virgin Mary under the Chain Another significant Baroque building, originally connected with Maltese knights, is about 800 metres from the church. His name is based on the legend of saving the city from the plague.
The route is designed to combine spiritual and historical monuments with the natural and architectural wealth of the Little Party.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring
In the church of Our Lady of Victory and Saint Anthony of Paduan in Malá Strana, the magical atmosphere is manifested in the spring days, when the green walls of the church and surroundings begin to awaken from the winter calm. The sun rays illuminate the interior with bright shadows, while the first spring flowers appear on the outside facade - often on guttering sheets or in windows. The interior of the church is particularly charming thanks to the bloom of flowers in spectacular stained windows that bring to the space fine shades of blue and green. The outer hall of the church is often surrounded by spring flowers, which decorate terraces and gardens in the middle of Prague.
It is practically the best visit at this time in the early morning hours when the church is still calm and visitors are minimal. Suitable clothes should be light, but ready for more sudden changes in the weather - spring rainy days take turns with sunny ones in Prague. Protecting against sunlight is also important, because the spring sun is stronger than it seems. Since visitors are beginning to return from summer holidays, it is advisable to come before the main tourist season to avoid crowds. The inside of the church is often open in the spring months in the morning, so it is good to check the actual opening hours before visiting.
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.
Atmosphere of the place
This atmospheric visualisation of the place and period was generated by artificial intelligence. It is not real footage of the location.
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Sources and literature
Photos: VitVit / CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.
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