Church of Our Lady before Týn, Prague

Church in Prague

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Pedro Szekely

The Church of Our Lady before Týn is the postcard image you keep spotting as you move around Prague: two Gothic towers, deliberately uneven, crowned with lace-like spires and sitting like a stage set behind Old Town Square. It's visible from countless viewpoints across the city, and once you've clocked it, it becomes your easiest way to orient yourself in the Old Town.

It's one of the must-see places in Prague because it delivers both a defining skyline moment and an unexpectedly ornate interior, and it's a highlight of any walking tour of Prague thanks to how naturally it fits between the Astronomical Clock, Jan Hus Memorial, and the surrounding lanes of the historic centre.

History and Significance of the Church of Our Lady before Týn
Things to See and Do in the Church of Our Lady before Týn
How to Get to the Church of Our Lady before Týn
Practical Tips on Visiting the Church of Our Lady before Týn
Where to Stay close to the Church of Our Lady before Týn
Is the Church of Our Lady before Týn Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Church of Our Lady before Týn
For Different Travelers
Nearby Attractions to the Church of Our Lady before Týn

History and Significance of the Church of Our Lady before Týn

This is a 14th-century Gothic masterpiece that came to symbolize Old Town Prague in a way few buildings can. Its position behind the square's façades gives it a slightly mysterious presence: you see the towers first, then discover the church itself almost as a “reveal,” which is part of the magic that visitors associate with the Old Town.

Over time, the interior shifted stylistically, so what you experience inside is not purely Gothic. Instead, it’s a layered space where later Baroque richness dominates the eye-gilded woodwork, elaborate altarpieces, and decorative details that feel deliberately opulent against the church’s medieval bones.

It's also a place of stories, not just architecture. The tomb of Tycho Brahe, the astronomer linked to Emperor Rudolf II's Prague, gives the church an extra dimension for anyone interested in science history and the city's Renaissance-era cultural pull.

Things to See and Do in the Church of Our Lady before Týn

Begin outside by taking in the towers from different angles around Old Town Square, because the church is most dramatic when you let it dominate the skyline. For a particularly strong perspective, look toward it from the Old Town Hall tower area, where you can appreciate how the spires rise above the dense roofscape.

Inside, expect a surprise: the Baroque atmosphere is immediate, with gilded elements and richly decorated altars in corners, side chapels, and around the main altar. The stained glass adds a vivid, jewel-like quality, especially when the light is good, and it’s worth lingering for a few minutes just to let your eyes adjust and start picking out details.

Make a point of finding Tycho Brahe’s tomb, which has distinctive astronomical symbolism. If you enjoy music in historic settings, keep an eye out for classical concerts held in the church, which can be a memorable way to experience the interior’s acoustics after the daytime crowds thin out.

How to Get to the Church of Our Lady before Týn

Václav Havel Airport Prague is the nearest airport, and the easiest approach is to travel into the centre, then continue on foot through the Old Town streets to Old Town Square. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Prague on Booking.com.

Praha hlavní nádraží is Prague’s main railway station, and from there you can reach the Old Town by metro or tram and then walk the final stretch through the historic lanes. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you’re travelling by car, plan to park outside the historic core and walk in, as Old Town access and parking constraints make driving into the centre impractical.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Church of Our Lady before Týn

Suggested tips: Treat the visit as two experiences: the skyline view from the square, then a quieter interior stop once you’ve found the entrance passage.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a calmer feel in Old Town Square; evenings are ideal for seeing the towers lit up.
Entrance fee: Free (€2.00 donation appreciated).
Opening hours: Monday Closed; Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 - 12:00 and 15:00 - 17:00; Sunday 11:00 - 12:00
Official website:
How long to spend: 20-40 minutes for the church interior; 45-75 minutes if you add time for photos around the square.
Accessibility: Access is via a narrow passageway and the interior can feel tight when busy; allow extra time if you move slowly through crowds.
Facilities: No major facilities inside; use cafés and restrooms around Old Town Square before or after.
Photography tip: For exterior shots, include the Jan Hus Memorial or Old Town Square rooflines to give the towers scale and context.
Guided tours: If your tour includes a stop here, ask your guide to point out the hidden entrance route and the key interior artworks so you don’t miss them.
Nearby food options: Old Town Square has endless choices, but for better value, eat one or two streets back and return to the square for the views.

Where to Stay close to the Church of Our Lady before Týn

If you want to experience Old Town Square at its quietest-early morning and late evening-staying nearby makes a big difference. Hotel U Prince puts you right on the square, ideal for a classic Prague stay.

For a polished boutique feel within an easy walk of the church, Ventana Hotel Prague is a convenient Old Town base that keeps you close to the main sights without needing transport.

If you prefer a comfortable, well-connected option that still allows you to walk into the Old Town quickly, K+K Hotel Central is a practical choice for mixing Old Town and broader city exploring.

Is the Church of Our Lady before Týn Worth Visiting?

Yes, because it delivers the full Prague effect in a single stop: a skyline-defining Gothic façade and a richly decorative interior that feels completely different from what you expect outside. It's also a place where small details reward curiosity, especially if you take the time to find Tycho Brahe's tomb and look closely at the altarpieces and stained glass.

The main “challenge” is timing. If you plan around limited opening hours and the hidden entrance passage, the visit feels effortless; if you arrive at the wrong moment, you may only see the exterior. Even then, the towers alone are worth the stop.

FAQs for Visiting Church of Our Lady before Týn

The entrance is not directly off the square; it’s through a narrow passageway under buildings on the Old Town Square side.

Yes, entry is typically free, with donations welcomed.

The towers are intentionally asymmetrical, which adds to the church’s distinctive Gothic character.

Old Town Square is the classic view, and the Old Town Hall tower area offers an excellent elevated perspective.

Look for the ornate Baroque altars, the stained glass, and the marble tomb of Tycho Brahe.

He was a renowned astronomer linked to Emperor Rudolf II’s Prague, and his tomb is one of the church’s most famous features.

Yes, occasional classical concerts are held inside, with tickets sold separately.

About 20-40 minutes inside is usually enough, plus extra time for photos in the square.

Hours can be limited and may include a midday closure, so it’s best to plan for a morning or late-afternoon visit.

Yes, the illuminated towers create a dramatic Old Town Square atmosphere even if the interior is closed.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.7 (7,664)

Church of Our Lady before Týn sits on Staroměstské nám., Old Town Prague, and is a visually dramatic 14th‑century Gothic landmark known for its soaring twin spires and ornately carved exterior; visitors say the exterior dominates the Old Town skyline and is striking by day and night, while inside you'll find Gothic architecture, a Baroque altarpiece and historic tombs (including Tycho Brahe), quiet, impressive acoustics used for well‑regarded concerts, and a tucked‑away entrance down a side alley where you may encounter someone selling postcards or concert tickets.

Joa a M L Fearn

3 months ago

"This church is an iconic landmark in Prague, not just because its a church but for its famous tower spires which dominate the city skyline of Prague.It really is visually spectacular, from afar and up close. I had the honour of being able to visit Prague this year in Sept 2025 and when I saw the Spires, it was a gasp (Wow) moment. The gothic architecture of the towers truly is a breath-taking moment. I've never seen anything quite like it. The church is also unique in the sense, the entrance is not visible straight away in the old town square. Tucked behind a few buildings, you access the church via a side alley. I thought they charged to enter as there was a guy trying to sell concert tickets but when I asked, he said the church was free to enter. You can take pictures of the information boards but not the church itself. It is visually impressive. There is a guy at the front to ensure you don't take photos. He is also selling postcards for the church which help towards the maintenance/upkeep. For me, the inside was okay, but the exterior of the church is what is eye-catching and grabs your attention. The church tower and its spires are what stands out amongst the square/Old Town. It is a stu ing work of architecture...."

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Rewand

2 months ago

"The Church of Our Lady before Týn is one of Prague’s most striking and historically rich landmarks. With its twin Gothic spires rising dramaticallyabove Old Town Square, it looks like something out of a fairytale — yet every stone tells a story from centuries past. Built in the 14th century, this magnificent church was the main spiritual center of the Hussite movement, a key part of Czech religious history. Inside, visitors are greeted by breathtaking Gothic architecture, a stu ing Baroque altar, and the tomb of the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, who served at the court of Emperor Rudolf II. The contrast between its dark towers and golden details perfectly symbolizes Prague’s blend of mystery and majesty. Whether you admire it from the square or step inside to feel its timeless atmosphere, the Church of Our Lady before Týn is a masterpiece of faith, art, and history...."

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Мария Наливайко

5 months ago

"One of the most recognizable symbols of Prague. Its Gothic spires rise above the Old Town Square and create a fabulous atmosphere of a medieval city.The temple has a centuries-old history, inside there is silence, grandeur and ancient tombs. The famous astronomer Tycho Brahe is buried here. Even if you don’t go inside, just looking at it at night is an unforgettable impression...."

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For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This is a strong family stop if you keep it short and visual: towers outside, a quick interior look, and then back out to the square. Kids often enjoy the “hidden entrance” aspect because it feels like discovering a secret route into a famous building.

If you want to avoid stress, aim for quieter times and keep expectations flexible around opening hours. Old Town Square is lively enough that you can easily pivot to street performers and snacks if the doors are closed.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, Týn Church is peak Prague atmosphere-especially at dusk or after dark when the spires glow and the square feels cinematic. The interior, with its Baroque richness, makes a lovely contrast to the Gothic exterior and can feel surprisingly intimate when it's not crowded.

A great rhythm is to visit in late afternoon, linger as the light changes, then stay in the area for an evening drink while the towers dominate the skyline.

Budget Travelers

This is one of the best-value highlights in Prague because the main experience is free: the skyline view and the church interior. You can get a memorable “Prague moment” here without paying for anything.

If you want a paid add-on, consider a tower climb or a concert ticket as your one splurge, and keep the rest of the Old Town day focused on walking and free architectural sightseeing.

Nearby Attractions to the Church of Our Lady before Týn

Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí): Prague's central historic square, packed with landmark façades and constant street energy.
Old Town Hall and Astronomical Clock: The iconic hourly gathering point with a tower you can climb for views.
Jan Hus Memorial: The square's central monument and a strong visual anchor for photos of the skyline.
Charles Bridge: A classic walk from the Old Town into riverside views and Prague's most famous crossing.
Jewish Quarter (Josefov): A nearby historic district with synagogues and museums that add depth to an Old Town day.

The Church of Our Lady before Týn appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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