Church of Saint Matthias, Baroque church in Dejvice, Czech Republic

The Church of Saint Matthias is a plain late-baroque hall building with a tower on the west side, a small square presbytery and a larger square nave with chamfered corners. Its vaults take the form of Czech placky, and small triangular pediments on the north and south facades bear the arms of the Prague provostry and of provost František Xaver Strachovský.

A first church on the site is attributed by legend to Prince Boleslav II in 971; the earliest reliable record dates from 1404, and Hussite-era use was followed by the return of Catholic services in 1521. The medieval building was demolished in 1770 and replaced by the present church, built at the expense of Provost František Xaver Strachovský and consecrated in 1771.

The church has been a gathering place for the local community since its founding and continues to shape the appearance of Dejvice. The interior design and architectural choices reflect artistic preferences that were popular in this Prague neighborhood during the 1700s.

The building is accessible to visitors during various times of the week, with regular religious services taking place. It is helpful to check opening times before your visit, as access may be limited during certain periods.

The church stands in Dejvice, not Hanspaulka, on a ridge above the Šárka valley. Its main altar holds a 1699 painting of Saint Matthias by Kristián Dittmann, showing the prince attacked by a bear with Hradčany in the background.