Kostel Povýšení svatého Kříže na Žižkově Church

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Žižkov is a notable historical monument located in Čajkovského Street, Prague-Žižkov. Constructed between 1717 and 1719 as a parish church, it now serves cultural purposes within the Atrium exhibition hall. This single-nave baroque structure features a sandstone portal with an inscribed dedication above its western entrance. Its rich history includes serving as a burial site during various periods, marking it as a significant landmark in Prague's urban and cultural landscape.

The church was built under the patronage of Jan František Crusius z Krausenberka between 1717 and 1719 on land acquired by the city of Prague from Štika z Paseky. This acquisition followed a devastating plague that struck Prague from 1713 to 1716, leading to construction on what was once a new town morbid cemetery established in 1680. During this period, Bohemia was part of the Habsburg Monarchy, characterized by baroque architectural developments and significant socio-political changes across Europe.

Architecturally, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a single-nave hall church with a distinctive sandstone portal featuring a Latin dedication inscription. This baroque style reflects artistic trends prevalent in early 18th-century Bohemia. Over time, the building underwent significant transformations; after ceasing religious use in 1842, it was repurposed as storage by 1906. A major transformation occurred between 1979 and 1982 when it became a cultural center with an atrium courtyard.

Throughout its history, the church has witnessed several key events. During the French occupation of Prague from 1741 to 1742, approximately 6,000 to 7,000 bodies of deceased French soldiers were buried in its crypts. In 1784, it became the first parish church for Žižkov and ceased being used as a cemetery that same year. The church's role shifted again in 1842 when it stopped serving religious purposes, with its parish transferred to St. Roch's Church on Olšanské Square.

In recent years, the building has been integrated into the Atrium concert and exhibition hall. In 1984, it began functioning as part of this cultural venue, which underwent further expansion in 1991 to include a café. The courtyard was redesigned into an atrium with a piazza featuring a sculpture by Jaroslav Bartoš, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, in 2020, the roof of the Atrium exhibition hall was adorned with a sculpture titled "Miminko" by David Černý.

Today, the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Žižkov is accessible to visitors as part of the Atrium concert and exhibition hall. Its transformation from a religious site to a cultural hub highlights its adaptability and enduring significance in Prague's urban fabric. The church's historical layers, architectural features, and artistic elements make it a compelling destination for those interested in exploring Prague's rich heritage. Visitors are invited to experience this unique blend of history and culture at this remarkable monument.