The Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus was built between 1611 and 1613 by German-speaking Lutherans in both the Renaissance and Baroque styles. In 1620, Emperor Ferdinand II bestowed the church on the Discalced Carmelites after the Battle of the White Mountain. A few years later, on September 8, 1624, the church was consecrated to Our Lady Victorious as a thank-you for the victory in the Battle of the White Mountain. In the centuries that followed, the Church of Our Lady Victorious has undergone several periods of reconstruction and restoration and, in 1993, witnessed the return of the Carmelites, who were expelled from the Church by Josef II in the late 1700s.
Inside the church, one finds the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. The statue dates to the 16th century and was brought to Prague from Spain by the Spanish Duchess Marie Manriquez de Lcara in 1556. The statue was discarded and broken in 1631 when the Saxons invaded Prague and plundered the Church. Fortunately, a few years later, the statue was recovered and repaired. In 1655, the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague was crowned by the Bishop of Prague and in the 18th century, it was permanently placed in the Church.
A significant historical moment for the Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus was Pope Benedict XVI’s visit in 2009 during which he offered the statue a new crown.
The picture was taken by my father during his visit to Prague in 2023.
Visiting the Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus
The Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus was not part of the tour itinerary so I visited it during my solo adventures before the tour started. When my parents were sharing stories and pictures of their trip to Prague, this church caught my attention as it houses a small museum that displays various robes for the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague along with nativity sets from around the world. As for the church, it has an intricate, ornate altar and a series of beautiful murals depicting various saints.
The museum contains two exhibits. The robe exhibit features a collection that includes historically significant robes, such as the one donated by Empress Maria Theresa, and robes gifted by people from around the world. Visitors can see robes from Spain, China, Italy, Austria, the Philippines, and many other countries. The second exhibit showcases nativity sets from various countries in several display cases.
I do think this church merits a visit especially to view the nativity sets. I found it interesting seeing nativity sets from countries one usually does not associate with Catholicism such as China, Singapore, and nations from Central Africa. Located in Malá Strana (Lesser Town), a stop at the Church of our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus should take about 30 to 40 minutes. The church is about a 10-minute walk from the Charles Bridge or it can be accessed by the tram, routes 12, 15, 20, 22 and 23. It should be noted that one cannot visit the museum during church services with those times listed on the website.
While the church building is accessible, the exhibits can only be accessed via stairs. There are a few steps to reach the room displaying the nativity sets; however, one needs to climb a spiral staircase to get to the exhibit with the robes.
Church Store
The Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus has a gift shop where visitors can purchase nativity sets, rosaries, holy water, and other religious mementos. This nativity set, one of my favorite souvenirs from the trip, is great for travel as it is sold as a one-piece kit, making it easier to pack in your luggage.
Resources
For more information, visit the website for the Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus.
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