The House at the Stone Virgin Mary (Storch's House)

Historic Building in Prague

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Another Believer

The House at the Stone Virgin Mary, also known as Štorch’s House, stands out on the eastern side of Old Town Square as one of the most visually captivating buildings in Prague. Its richly painted Neo-Renaissance façade, created by artist Mikoláš Aleš, features a striking fresco of Saint Wenceslas on horseback, accompanied by the inscription: “Saint Wenceslas, Duke of the Czech Land, pray for us.” The façade is a tapestry of symbolism, including the Prague coat of arms, floral patterns, and a small statue of the Virgin Mary nestled above the entrance—giving the house its name.

The site itself has medieval origins, but the building as we see it today was the result of a major renovation in 1896–1897 by bookseller and publisher Alexandr Štorch. During this restoration, Gothic architectural elements from earlier phases of the house were preserved or revealed, including pointed arches and stone details. There are reports of a hidden Gothic chapel being discovered inside, lending the building an air of historical mystery. Štorch turned the house into a prestigious bookstore and publishing house, making it a vibrant meeting place for Prague’s literary and intellectual community at the turn of the 20th century.

Over the decades, Štorch’s House witnessed many of Prague’s dramatic historical moments. It suffered damage during the Prague Uprising of May 1945, when Old Town Square became a battleground in the final days of World War II. Thankfully, post-war restoration efforts carefully repaired the building’s damaged façade and roof, preserving Aleš’s important frescoes and architectural details. The house’s survival and continued beauty are a testament to Prague’s resilience and dedication to its cultural heritage.

Today, the House at the Stone Virgin Mary remains a privately owned residence and commercial space, admired by thousands of visitors each year. Though the original bookstore no longer operates, the building continues to tell the story of Prague’s artistic and literary traditions. With its blend of medieval bones and 19th-century flair, it’s a highlight of any walking tour of Old Town Square—serving as both an architectural treasure and a quiet homage to Saint Wenceslas, the enduring symbol of Czech identity.

Frescoes on the House At The Stone Virgin Mary (Štorch’s House)

The frescoes on the House At The Stone Virgin Mary (Štorch’s House) are a stunning example of Neo-Renaissance artistry, designed by the renowned Czech painter Mikoláš Aleš and executed by Ladislav Novák during the house’s reconstruction in 1896–1897. These frescoes adorn the building’s façade and depict a variety of symbolic and historical themes.

Saint Wenceslas on Horseback

The most prominent fresco features Saint Wenceslas, the patron saint of Bohemia, riding a horse. He is accompanied by the inscription: “Saint Wenceslas, Duke of the Czech Land, pray for us,” taken from the St. Wenceslas Chant, a medieval hymn. This fresco symbolizes Czech national pride and the enduring legacy of Saint Wenceslas as a protector of the Czech people.

Biblical and Historical Figures

Other frescoes include depictions of Jan Amos Komenský (John Amos Comenius), a Czech educator and philosopher, and a monk engaged in writing, representing the intellectual and spiritual heritage of the Czech lands. The frescoes also feature the Prague coat of arms, emphasizing the city’s historical importance as the “Head of the Kingdom” (Praga Caput Regni).

Family Symbolism

The façade also incorporates a stork, which serves as the emblem of the Štorch family, who owned the house during its reconstruction. This personal touch adds a unique layer to the frescoes, blending family identity with national and historical themes.

The The House at the Stone Virgin Mary (Storch's House) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Prague!

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