kostel svatého Martina ve zdi Church
The church of St. Martin in the wall stands in Prague's Old Town and owes its name an unusual situation - its southern wall lies close to the historical wall of Old Town. According to the written record, between 1178 and 1187 was established in the former settlement Újezce, which was later called Újezce near St. Martin according to its most famous construction. The church has the character of a Gothic reconstruction of the Romanesque nucleus, which makes building essential for the knowledge of medieval architecture in the Czech Republic.
The orchard was a gift from Prince Soběslav II, and the church was assigned the function of the parish temple. It was supposed to be a single-boat construction with a number of characteristic Romanesque elements, decorated probably by wall paintings. The builders equipped it with two fields of cross vaults and built a block-lined wall. During the construction of the medieval walls of the Old Town in the 1930's, the settlement was divided - a larger part of it belonged to the New Town, a smaller part became part of the Old Town with this very church. The wall also bounded the original burial ground, which spread south of the temple.
A fundamental reconstruction in the Gothic style passed the temple after 1350 under Charles IV. In 1358, a new altar was established. The then builders increased the floor level, extended the ship's part with a newly closed presbytery that was equipped with a pair of windows - the first of its kind in the Czech Republic. The presbyterium covered the mains vault on the consoles and covered the valve roof. During the 1960s, the rib arch in the presbytery, considered one of the oldest of these in the Czech Republic, was added with roses and stars on the clamps. The church ship was raised and re-sealed, new sharp windows were broken in the south wall.
During the restaurant carried out by Kamil Hilbert in the early 20th century, the Romanesque layer of the building was rediscovered and scientifically examined. The discovery of the Romanesque core gave rise to scientific interest and in 1905 a comprehensive study of the historian Josef Teige dedicated to construction was published.
Today the church uses the Czech Brotherhood Church evangelical. In addition to the usual morning services of the German parish choir, Czech services without formal parish organization have been held here for decades every Sunday evening. These are closely linked to the Evangelical Theological Faculty and Prague Evangelical Youth. The tradition of an open pulpit is particularly remarkable - every Sunday there is a different preacher or preacher. This practice has no equivalent in contemporary Czech Protestantism and makes the church a unique place in an ecumenical act.
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
- 1178-1187
- The establishment of a church in the village Újezce, which was named the Újezde of St. Martin.
- 1230-1240
- The church was included in the walls of the Old Town, thus obtaining an addition 'in the wall'.
- 1358
- The foundation of a new altar and the completion of Gothic building modifications, including the encroaching of the presbytery.
- 1905-1906
- Kamil Hilbert's restaurant, which revealed the Romanesque core of the church and modified its interior.
Architectural development
The church was created as a one-boat Romanesque building from a block wall with cross vaults and probably wall paintings. During the 13th century the church was included in the walls of Old Town. The Gothic modifications from the end of the 14th century included the extension of the ship, construction of a presbytery with a pair of windows and enclosing the rib arch. In the 19th century there was an important restaurant called Kamil Hilbert, which revealed the Romanesque core and modified the interior.
Historical events
- 1178-1187
- The establishment of a church in the former settlement Újezce, which was named after the church as the Újezde of St. Martin.
- 1230-1240
- Built by the wall of Old Town which included and influenced its further development.
- 1358
- The foundation of a new altar and the completion of Gothic building modifications, including enclosing presbytery with a mains vault.
- 1784
- The church was consecrated and partly converted into a residential house.
Owners
1178-1187 – Prince's property (supposed original owner); after 1187 – Vystehrad capitula (gift of Speclav II.); 1784 – partly converted into a residential house (after the consecration); since 1906 – Czech Brotherhood Church of Evangelical.
Points of interest
- St. Martin's Church in the Wall is standing right by the Old Town wall, which gave him a name.
- Its original Romanesque core dates from 1178 to 1187 when it was built in the village Újezde.
- The church was originally a parish temple and had a single boat available with cross vaults and probably wall paintings.
- In the thirties of the 13th century the settlement was divided by a wall, while the church remained part of the Old Town.
- Gothic reconstruction from after 1350 brought the first pair of windows in presbytery in the Czech Republic.
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.
The Church of Saint Martin in the Wall is a Gothic structure with Romanesque core located in Prague's Old Town. It was built roughly between 1178 and 1187 in the settlement of Újezd. Before 1178, the settlement was simply called Újezd, and after 1187 it was called Újezd svatého Martina, and it is precisely from this change of name that the date of the church's construction is derived. The settlement was at that time the property of the prince and was given as a gift to the Vyšehrad chapter by Soběslav the Second.
The original Romanesque church had a single nave, practically identical to today's main nave. It was built from rusticated ashlar masonry, vaulted with two bays of cross vaults, and was probably decorated inside with wall paintings. The eastern part had a highly irregular floor plan and the church stood out markedly from buildings of its time. The Romanesque core was only revealed during restoration work led by Kamil Hilbert at the beginning of the twentieth century. How the church originally looked remains a subject of expert discussion to this day. Widely accepted is the concept by Václav Mencl of two galleries in the eastern corners, accessible by stairs in the wall, and a single tower on the west. Dobroslav Líbal, however, rejected the western tower.
In the thirteen thirties, the fortification walls of the Old Town were being built. They divided Újezd into two parts, and the smaller one, together with the church, found itself inside the city. The southern wall of the church adjoined directly to the fortification wall, and this is where the name in the Wall comes from. Nearby stood the city gate of Saint Martin.
The Gothic reconstruction came after 1350, during the reign of Charles the Fourth. The floor and nave were raised, the church received a new vault, a tower on the side, and a new presbytery with a straight wall closure. It was the first in Bohemia to be equipped with a pair of windows in its front wall. In the sixteen sixties of the fourteenth century it was vaulted with a ribbed vault, considered one of the oldest in Bohemia. The ribs spring from consoles with mascarons, and on the bosses are roses and a star.
Today the church is used by the Czech Evangelical Church of the Brethren. In the morning, the German parish congregation holds services there. In the evening, Czech services are held, connected with the evangelical theological faculty and Prague evangelical youth. Their distinctive feature is an open pulpit. Every Sunday evening, someone different preaches from it, and this tradition, which has lasted for decades, has no equivalent in Bohemia.
Tips for visitors
Best time to visit St. Martin's church in the wall is in the morning when it is quiet and you can see the interior without crowds. If you prefer sunlight, it is recommended to visit in the morning when the rays fall favourably on the Romanesque and Gothic elements of the building. During the summer months it is advisable to avoid the noon hours when it may be hot inside the church.
The church is easily accessible by car and public transport. For passengers by public transport it is advisable to get off at the nearest stop in the vicinity of historic walls and then take a walk along the picturesque streets of Old Town.
Take comfortable shoes when visiting the church, as it is located in the historic part of the city with rocky sidewalks. Next, bring a small towel or handkerchief, because it may be cold in the interior, and if you are sweating, you will be happy for something to wipe your hands with. If you are planning to photograph, remember to take a flashlight or a mobile light, because some parts of the church may be shady.
Photography in the church of St. Martin in the wall is permitted, but the most beautiful pictures can be taken when entering the church from the outside, where the combination of Romanesque and Gothic architecture is well captured. The best light for photos can be found in the morning or evening, when the rays of the sun create pleasant shadows and illuminate the details of the facade. In the interior avoid flashing of lightning to avoid damage to paintings and plaster.
Around St. Martin's church in the wall there are several interesting places worth visiting during your trip. You can see the adjacent Old Town walls, which are part of the historic fortifications of the city. The City Gate of St. Martin, which is one of the historic gates that once protected Staré Město, is also nearby. It is interesting for families with children to visit the nearby Old Town Square, where for example the historical Orloj is located.
For families with children, a visit to St. Martin's church in the wall is interesting due to its historical significance and picturesque architecture. Children can see the old stone elements and hear stories about the church from adults. In the vicinity of the church it is possible to play in Old Town Square, where small cultural events or markets are often organized. Children can also see the nearby city gate of St. Martin and imagine what the city looked like in the past.
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.
Where is the monument?
Location: Martinská, 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 cultural monument (register no. 38194/1-27).
For kids
Imagine coming back 846 years. You can get to Prague, where we live today and where kostel svatého Martina ve zdi was built. This church has such an amazing history! It was built in 1180, but its core is even older, Romanesque.
It was like a game where a hero goes on an adventure. At that time Praha was a small settlement where people who lived for a living in agriculture and trade. St. Martin's Church was their most important temple. People came from all over Europe to pray and seek comfort from diseases and wars.
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Events nearby
Zdroj akcí: otevřená data měst a obcí ČR (Národní katalog otevřených dat) a kalendář akcí Národního památkového ústavu.
Accommodation nearby
Trips and activities nearby
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Old Town walls Type: Monuments Why is it worth a visit: These historic walls are directly adjacent to the main destination. That's where the church was built and that's where he got his unique name.
St. Martin's Church in the Wall Type: Main objective Why is it worth a visit: It is a significant Gothic building in the historical centre. The church is closely connected with Hussite history and uniquely integrated into the city fortification.
St. Martin City Gate Type: Monuments Why is it worth a visit: Located in the immediate neighbourhood of the church. Reminds of an ancient entry point to a fortified city.
Old Town Square Type: Monuments Why is it worth a visit: It lies only about 300 metres from the church. It represents the main historical center with many other monuments and vibrating life.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring: In spring, kostel svatého Martina ve zdi is revived by sunlight, which is projected through windows and decorated ceilings. At the same time, the surrounding gardens bloom, adding a wonderful shine to the atmosphere of the newly formed elements. Visit a memorial in the morning or evening to avoid Wednesday's tourist benefits and enjoy a more peaceful visit. It is advisable to come in light clothes with the possibility to zoom in on a warm jacket because spring weather can be variable.
Summer: During the summer season kostel svatého Martina ve zdi is a popular destination for tourists looking for shelter from heat and sunlight. The atmosphere is full of life, but there can also be crowds in the main summer season. It is recommended that you arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to enjoy a quieter tour and avoid flooding visitors. Do not forget the protective sunglasses and cream against UVB rays as well as light clothes suitable for warm weather.
Autumn: In the autumn months kostel svatého Martina ve zdi gains melancholic beauty when tree leaves in the surroundings turn the landscape into a colorful palette. The atmosphere is calmer and less demanding to the temperature than during the summer period, which means shorter opening times of the monument. It is recommended to visit the church in the meantime when there are fewer visitors, and come with warm clothes because the weather becomes colder. Sunscreen remains an important part of your visit.
Winter: During winter kostel svatého Martina ve zdi is dazzling in the months with cold weather, when the windows and ceilings take on darker colors and the sun rays have different intensity. The atmosphere is calm and creates a sense of relief from urban life, especially in advent time or during Christmas holidays. The monument has shorter opening times, so it is advisable to come early in the morning to enjoy a quiet tour. Don't forget the warm clothes and protective measures against the cold.
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: Follerjiri / 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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