Cathedral Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius, Prague
Cathedral in Prague
The Cathedral Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius is one of the top attractions in Prague for travelers who want more than scenery. From the outside it reads as an elegant New Town church, but the moment you understand what happened here during World War II, the site changes from “interesting” to genuinely affecting.
It's also a highlight of any walking tour of Prague that goes beyond the medieval core, because it connects you directly to the city's modern history and the real geography of resistance. The cathedral still functions as a place of worship, yet it also holds one of Prague's most important memorial spaces, so it rewards a visit with both atmosphere and meaning.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- Things to See and Do in the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- How to Get to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- Where to Stay close to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- Is the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- For Different Travelers
- Nearby Attractions to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
History and Significance of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
Dedicated to Saints Cyril and Methodius, the missionaries traditionally associated with bringing Christianity to the Slavs, the cathedral carries a strong cultural identity as well as a religious one. Its Neo-Baroque appearance gives it a confident, ceremonial presence in New Town, and it stands out as a reminder that Prague’s sacred architecture did not end with the Gothic and Baroque eras of the Old Town.
The cathedral’s global significance is tied to World War II and the Czech resistance. After the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich in 1942 as part of Operation Anthropoid, the paratroopers involved took refuge connected to this site and made their final stand here during a siege, turning the cathedral into a symbol of courage and sacrifice that still resonates deeply.
Today, the building holds a dual identity. It remains an active Orthodox cathedral while also serving as a place of remembrance through the crypt memorial, where visitors can learn about the mission, its aftermath, and the human cost of resistance under occupation.
Things to See and Do in the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
Begin upstairs in the main cathedral space, where the mood is calm and contemplative. Even a short visit helps you appreciate the cathedral as a living religious site, not only a historical marker, and it sets an important emotional contrast to what you’ll experience below.
The crypt memorial is the centerpiece for most visitors. It’s not a large museum in a conventional sense, but it is intensely focused: a place designed to help you understand what happened, who was involved, and why the story matters. Give yourself time to read, pause, and absorb rather than rushing through.
Afterward, step back outside and take a moment on the street before moving on. Many people find that this site lands heavily, and that a brief pause helps you shift back into “Prague sightseeing mode” without feeling like you're sprinting away from something important.
How to Get to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
The cathedral is in Prague's New Town and is easy to reach on foot from Karlovo náměstí and the riverfront, making it a simple add-on to a central walking day.
If you are arriving by air, Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the nearest airport, with public transport and taxi/rideshare connections into the city center. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Prague on Booking.com.
If you are arriving by train, Praha hlavní nádraží (Prague Main Station) connects well to New Town via metro and tram, followed by a short walk to the cathedral area. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
Long-distance buses typically arrive at Florenc, which has fast metro links into New Town for an easy onward connection.
If you are driving, plan to park outside the central area and finish by public transport or walking, as parking near the center is limited and traffic can be slow.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- Suggested tips: Visit the cathedral first to set the tone, then do the crypt memorial slowly and quietly rather than treating it like a quick checklist stop.
- Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for a calmer interior and a more reflective experience in the crypt.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: Daily: 8:00—17:00. Closed Mondays
- Official website: https://prague.eu/en/objevujte/cathedral-church-of-sts-cyril-and-methodius-katedralni-chram-sv-cyrila-a-metodeje/
- How long to spend: 45-90 minutes, depending on how much time you spend in the crypt memorial exhibits.
- Accessibility: The main cathedral is generally straightforward, but the crypt can involve steps and tighter spaces, so expect limitations.
- Facilities: Limited on-site facilities; plan restrooms and longer breaks at nearby cafés around Karlovo náměstí or along the river.
- Photography tip: Keep photos minimal and discreet, and prioritize the memorial atmosphere over documentation.
- Guided tours: A guided visit can add valuable context, but many travelers prefer a self-guided pace here to allow quiet reflection.
- Nearby food options: Choose a calmer café a few streets away afterward, so you can decompress before returning to busier sights.
Where to Stay close to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
If you want a comfortable, design-forward base within easy walking distance, Mosaic House Design Hotel is a strong choice for New Town exploring and quick access to the river. For a central boutique-style stay that keeps you close to New Town sights while still being walkable to Old Town, Hotel Cube Prague is a convenient option for a short city break. If you like the idea of a landmark stay with riverside walks built in, Dancing House - Tančící dům hotel puts you near the Vltava and an easy stroll from the cathedral.
Is the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral Worth Visiting?
Yes, particularly if you want to understand Prague's 20th-century history in a place where events feel immediate rather than abstract. The cathedral and crypt memorial create one of the most direct, human-scale encounters with wartime Prague, and it often becomes a defining memory of the trip.
It’s also worth visiting because it balances two experiences in one stop: a living place of worship above, and a powerful memorial space below. That combination makes the visit feel grounded, respectful, and difficult to forget.
FAQs for Visiting Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
What Other Travellers Say...
Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius at Resslova 9a in Prague’s New Town is an active church with a small but powerful museum in the crypt dedicated to the WWII Czech resistance and Operation Anthropoid; visitors note the free, informative exhibits in Czech and English, a humbling, short visit that often takes around 10–30 minutes, and the chance to step through into the space where the parachutists made their last stand, with a small gift shop at the back.
For Different Travelers
Families with Kids
For families, this site works best with older kids who can handle serious history and quiet memorial spaces. Keep expectations clear: this is not a playful stop, and the experience is about remembrance and learning rather than entertainment.
If you do visit as a family, plan a gentler activity afterward, such as a park walk at Karlovo náměstí or a relaxed riverside stroll, so the day feels balanced and not emotionally overwhelming.
Couples & Romantic Getaways
For couples, the cathedral can be one of the most meaningful shared stops in Prague, precisely because it shifts the trip from “beautiful city” to “real history.” The crypt memorial often prompts quieter reflection and conversation afterward, which can deepen how you experience the rest of the city.
Pair it with a calm walk along the Vltava rather than jumping straight to crowded sights. Giving the visit space to land is part of doing it well.
Budget Travelers
Budget travelers will appreciate that this is a high-impact cultural stop that doesn’t require an expensive ticket day, especially if you’re choosing paid attractions selectively. Even when the memorial is ticketed, it tends to feel like strong value because of the historical significance and the focused storytelling.
To keep costs low, build a walking loop that includes Karlovo náměstí, the riverfront, and nearby New Town streets, so you get a full day without transport spend.
History Buffs
History-focused travelers should treat this as essential Prague. It's one of the city's most important WWII sites, and the memorial context makes Operation Anthropoid feel grounded in real streets and real spaces rather than detached narration.
Consider visiting early in your trip, because the experience adds depth to later stops connected to 20th-century Prague and the city's changing political identity.
Nearby Attractions to the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral
- New Town Hall: A civic landmark on Karlovo náměstí with historic interiors and a tower viewpoint over New Town.
- Charles Square (Karlovo náměstí): A huge central square-park that works well for a quiet reset after the memorial visit.
- Dancing House: Prague's most famous modern architectural landmark, a short walk away along the river direction.
- Náplavka riverfront: A lively Vltava promenade ideal for decompressing with views and a more local city atmosphere.
- National Theatre: A major cultural venue nearby, perfect if you want to end the day with a performance.
The Cathedral Church of Sts Cyril and Methodius 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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Planning Your Visit
Daily: 8:00-17:00. Closed Mondays
Free
Nearby Attractions
- Charles Square (0.2) km
Square - Dancing House (0.2) km
Notable Building - New Town Hall (0.4) km
Town Hall - Žofín Palace (0.5) km
Palace - National Theatre (0.6) km
Theatre - Wenceslas Square (1.0) km
Square and Statue - Havel’s Market (1.0) km
Market - National Museum (1.0) km
Museum - Na Příkopě Street (1.1) km
Street - Karlova Street (1.2) km
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