Church of St. James the Greater, Baroque basilica in Old Town, Czech Republic
The Church of St. James the Greater is a Baroque monastic church on Malá Štupartská Street, halfway between Old Town Square and Republic Square. Its classicizing facade has one south tower and large stucco figures of St. Francis, St. James and St. Anthony of Padua by Ottavio Mosto, made 1695–1701. Inside, a barrel vault with lunettes carries frescoes by František Voget from 1736, and 22 altars fill the nave and side aisles.
The church was founded in the 13th century and stands among the oldest religious buildings in the city. It suffered severe damage when fire destroyed the site in the late 17th century, but was later restored.
The church is a stop on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela, and its three towers were meant to help pilgrims find their way. Organ concerts are held here regularly, and the instrument has 91 stops and 8,277 pipes. A plaque from 1615 in the north aisle warns that anyone who threatens the church will be chopped to pieces.
The church stands on Malá Štupartská Street, halfway between Old Town Square and Republic Square, and is attached to the Minorite monastery. It is an active place of worship, so visits should be timed around services; regular organ concerts are also held here. The surviving Gothic clock tower is on the eastern side.
An unexpected feature inside is a mummified hand hanging from a chain, connected to a story about a thief. This unusual object catches the attention of visitors who would not have expected such a detail.
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