Loreta, Prague

Since its establishment in the 1620s, this site has remained a significant hub of Christian pilgrimage in Bohemia. Its inception is intertwined with the Counter-Reformation era, during which the Habsburg monarchs, aiming to reassert Catholicism in Czech lands, erected replicas of the revered Santa Casa of Loreto from Italy throughout their realm. According to the prevailing legend of the time, the original Santa Casa, believed to be the abode of the Virgin Mary where the Archangel Gabriel announced the forthcoming birth of Jesus, was miraculously transported from Nazareth either by devout individuals or celestial beings during the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land at the turn of the first millennium.

Perched atop Prague's Castle District, the striking white facade of the Loreta Church is difficult to miss. The gorgeous Baroque shrine is really a complex of structures, including the church adorned with wood-carved cherubs, elegant cloisters embellished with frescoes, and an engaging museum housing an array of religious artifacts. Among these treasures are intricately crafted chalices, a majestic monstrance encrusted with an astounding 6,222 diamonds, and assorted relics and regalia of the Catholic Church. While admission is worthwhile, note that an additional fee applies for photography.

Tip:
Take advantage of the opportunity to explore Nový Svět (New World), a picturesque and tranquil neighborhood tucked behind Loreta Square. Its enchanting streets and homes offer some of Prague's most romantic settings to discover.