St. Salvator Church Charles Bridge

St. Salvator Church in Prague is part of a group of buildings forming the oldest Czech Jesuit College - the Klementinum.

This large, majestic church is a city landmark, located at one end of Charles Bridge, at the entrance to the Old Town.

St. Salvator Church was built initially in the Gothic style between 1578-1601 by the Jesuits, however many of the important features are Baroque, added during a final phase of construction between 1649-1654.

St. Salvator is indeed considered as one of the most valuable examples of early-Baroque architecture in Prague. Famous architects Lurago, Caratti and Kanka were all involved with its construction.

St. Salvator has a beautiful Baroque facia, with porticos decorated with sand-stone sculptures of saints by Jan Jirí Bendl. A niche in the wall houses a sculpture of the Virgin Mary.

Inside, the church is built of three high aisles, with galleries and a dome painted with frescos.

But the church conceals a paradox which characterises the work of the Jesuit Order in Bohemia: in the crypt under the church is buried not only Father Koniáš, “the destroyer of Czech books”, but also Bohuslav Balbín, “the defender of the Czech language”.

Interestingly St. Salvator has not one, but two magnificent organs. These have been recently restored and are played at Mass and during classical music concerts, which run throughout the year.

During the winter the seats are heated and have pillows, but it is still advisable to wear warm clothing for the concerts.

For listings and to book tickets for classical concerts at St. Salvator Church: Prague concerts.