St. Salvator Church at Charles Bridge
Old Town, Prague 1

St. Salvator is a city landmark, located at one end of Charles Bridge, at the entrance to the Old Town.

The Jesuits built St. Salvator Church in the Gothic style between 1578-1601, with significant Baroque features added between 1649-1654. The celebrated architects Lurago, Caratti and Kanka were all involved in its construction.

It has a beautiful facade, 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 deceptively large. It has three very high aisles with galleries and a stunning dome painted with frescos.

St. Salvator is considered one of the most valuable examples of early-Baroque architecture in Prague.

The holy building also conceals a paradox which characterises the work of the Jesuit Order in Bohemia: in the crypt are buried both Father Koniáš, the “destroyer of Czech books”, and Bohuslav Balbín, known as the “defender of the Czech language”.

St. Salvator Church boasts not one, but two magnificent organs. Both are played at Mass and during classical music concerts.

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

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