Church of Saint Wenceslaus, Renaissance Revival church in Smíchov, Czech Republic
The Church of Saint Wenceslaus is a Renaissance Revival church in the Smíchov district of Prague, with two towers rising above the surrounding streets. Inside, the building has a three-aisled nave, a marble altar, and a ceiling covered in gilded wooden coffers.
The church was built between 1881 and 1885, designed by architect Antonín Viktor Barvitius, during a period when Smíchov was growing from an industrial suburb into a residential urban district. This shift changed the character of the neighborhood considerably.
The church is dedicated to Saint Wenceslaus, the Czech patron whose skull, lent from St. Vitus Cathedral, was displayed here at a Mass on 27 September 2015 before being taken to Stará Boleslav for the national pilgrimage. In 1945 the Palladium of the Czech Land, which legend says Wenceslaus carried when he was murdered, was exhibited in the church.
The church stands on Náměstí 14. října in the Smíchov district of Prague 5 and can be seen from outside at any time. Visiting the interior during the day is recommended, as natural light makes the details of the decorations easier to appreciate.
The church's three portals carry majolica reliefs fired in Florence after models by Ludvík Šimek: Saint Wenceslaus between angels above the main door, and roundels of Agnes of Bohemia and Hroznata of Ovence over the side entrances. The round window's Madonna and Child vitrail is visible only from inside.
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