Loreta, Prague
Since the 1620s, the Loreta complex has been one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Bohemia, having taken root during the fervent era of the Counter-Reformation. As the Habsburg monarchs sought to restore Catholic dominance across their empire, they began constructing replicas of Italy鈥檚 famed Santa Casa, the Holy House of Loreto. According to legend, the original was believed to be the very home of the Virgin Mary in Nazareth, where the Archangel Gabriel delivered news of Christ鈥檚 coming birth. To save it from destruction during the Islamic conquest of the Holy Land, it was said to have been miraculously transported to safety in Europe鈥攕ome claimed by angels, others by devout Christians.
High above the city in the Castle District, the gleaming white facade of Prague鈥檚 Loreta can鈥檛 help but catch the eye. More than just a single church, it鈥檚 a full Baroque complex鈥攃omplete with cloisters lined in frescoes, a chapel full of wood-carved cherubs, and a treasury that could rival any royal collection. Among the items on display are golden chalices, ornate vestments, and a jaw-dropping monstrance known as the 鈥淧rague Sun,鈥� adorned with 6,222 diamonds. It鈥檚 a glittering centerpiece that speaks to the wealth and artistic devotion poured into this space. While the entrance fee is modest, photography inside requires a separate ticket鈥攚orth considering if you want to capture the dazzling interiors.
And while you're in the area, consider taking a detour into Nov媒 Sv臎t, or the 鈥淣ew World鈥濃�攁 quiet little pocket just behind Loreta Square. Far from the usual tourist routes, it's an ideal spot for a peaceful walk, a bit of reflection, or just soaking up some of the city鈥檚 most romantic charm.
High above the city in the Castle District, the gleaming white facade of Prague鈥檚 Loreta can鈥檛 help but catch the eye. More than just a single church, it鈥檚 a full Baroque complex鈥攃omplete with cloisters lined in frescoes, a chapel full of wood-carved cherubs, and a treasury that could rival any royal collection. Among the items on display are golden chalices, ornate vestments, and a jaw-dropping monstrance known as the 鈥淧rague Sun,鈥� adorned with 6,222 diamonds. It鈥檚 a glittering centerpiece that speaks to the wealth and artistic devotion poured into this space. While the entrance fee is modest, photography inside requires a separate ticket鈥攚orth considering if you want to capture the dazzling interiors.
And while you're in the area, consider taking a detour into Nov媒 Sv臎t, or the 鈥淣ew World鈥濃�攁 quiet little pocket just behind Loreta Square. Far from the usual tourist routes, it's an ideal spot for a peaceful walk, a bit of reflection, or just soaking up some of the city鈥檚 most romantic charm.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Prague. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 911爆料网 App
Loreta on Map
Sight Name: Loreta
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Prague, Czech Republic (See walking tours in Prague)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Prague, Czech Republic
Create Your Own Walk in Prague
Creating your own self-guided walk in Prague is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Hradcany (Castle District) Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Castle District is a neighborhood where history feels almost tangible鈥攁n atmospheric blend of towering landmarks, quiet courtyards, and sweeping city views. At its heart sits the mighty Prague Castle, often cited as the largest castle complex in the world. Its origins stretch back to the 9th century, and over time, it has been home to Bohemian kings, Holy Roman emperors, Communist... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Prague Introduction Walking Tour
Nicknamed the 鈥淐ity of a Hundred Spires,鈥� Prague is a living gallery of history and architecture, home to world-class museums, eclectic galleries, numerous theaters, and a seemingly endless collection of historic landmarks.
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
The name Praha comes from the old Slavic word 鈥減r谩h鈥�, which means 鈥渞apid鈥�, nodding to the city's beginnings at a crossing on the Vltava River. Legend... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Prague鈥檚 Old Town is a living tapestry of medieval roots and vibrant modern life, wrapped in narrow cobblestone streets and brimming with architectural treasures. Once a self-contained settlement, it was protected by a semi-circular moat and a fortified wall, both tracing the curve of the Vltava River. Although the moat is long gone, its path survives in the form of key streets鈥攎ost notably Na... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
The Jewish Quarter, also known as Josefov, is a part of the Old Town (Star茅 M臎sto) of Prague.
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
The area breathes history and is a captivating blend of ancient synagogues and other monuments that collectively reflect centuries of Jewish life in the city. Some synagogues are still acting, and others have been converted into art galleries and museums.
One such is the Spanish Synagogue, a... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Old Town Souvenir Shopping
Strolling through the Old Town of Prague, souvenir shopping becomes a delightful adventure. Indeed, it would be a pity to leave Prague without having explored its specialty shops and bringing home something truly original and unique to the city.
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prime spots for such endeavors is the Municipal House, a majestic Art Nouveau building that houses various shops and boutiques. Here,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
New Town Walking Tour
The youngest (founded in 1348) and the largest (three times the size of the Old Town), the New Town (or Nove Mesto) of Prague is one of the five originally independent townships that today form the historic center of the Czech capital. This vibrant district offers a mix of historical charm and modern amenities and is traditionally dense with tourists.
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
At its heart lies Wenceslas Square, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Czech Sweets and Pastries
Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Czechs have duly absorbed the dessert-making know-how of their Austrian neighbors to complement their own confectionery heritage deeply rooted in the Eastern European, Slavic tradition. The end result of such cultural blend is the abundance of pastries,...
Prague Shopping: 15 Distinctively Czech Products to Bring Home
Previously known mainly for its beer and ice-hockey (both for a very good reason), today's Czech Republic - and, primarily, its capital city Prague - is seen among the top European tourist destinations emerged following the breakup of the Soviet Bloc. A shooting ground for some Hollywood...