Bethlehem Chapel

Betlémská Kaple (Bethlehem Chapel), tucked away in Prague’s Old Town, is a modest yet profoundly significant site in Czech history. Founded in 1391, it rose to prominence as the main preaching venue of Jan Hus, a bold theologian and early reformer who delivered sermons in Czech instead of Latin—making religious teachings accessible to ordinary people. From 1402 to 1413, his fiery sermons laid the ideological foundations for the Hussite movement, a uniquely Czech religious and national uprising that would leave a lasting mark on Europe. His defiance made him a national hero and a precursor to later Protestant reformers—Martin Luther himself cited Hus as an inspiration.

Hus believed that the Bible—not the Pope—should be the ultimate authority, and that church services should be held in the local language so that all could understand the Word of God. He denounced corruption within the Church, especially the selling of indulgences, and argued that clergy should lead moral, modest lives. While he earned broad support at home, these radical views provoked condemnation abroad. In 1415, after being promised safe passage to defend his beliefs at the Council of Constance, Hus was betrayed and burned at the stake for heresy. A monumental statue of Jan Hus now stands in the centre of Old Town Square, a national symbol of Czech resilience and reformist ideals.

Though the original Gothic chapel was largely demolished in the late 18th century, it was meticulously reconstructed in the 1950s, incorporating surviving architectural elements. Today, Bethlehem Chapel serves as a ceremonial hall for the Czech Technical University and hosts cultural events and exhibitions. Its quiet interior, large pulpit, and simple wooden gallery continue to evoke the spirit of reform and resistance that once echoed within its walls.

💡 Top Tip 💡

Take a moment to sit in the wooden gallery and imagine the crowds that once gathered here to hear Jan Hus’s radical sermons. The space still carries the weight of his words.

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📅 Plan your visit

⛪ Chapel Entry
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 - 17:00
🌐 Ticket Price Information
🎟 On-site ONLY: Tickets available at the chapel entrance

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🍴Where to eat : 

(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).

 

[$]

- Dante's Bistro (Riverside Czech Bistro & Café) 4.4 ⭐ 

- Kmotra (Traditional Italian Pizzeria) 4.5 ⭐

 

[$]

- Alriso Risotteria Italiana (Italian restaurant focused on risotto & gluten-free cuisine) 4.4 ⭐ 

- Café Louvre (Elegant Café & Restaurant) 4.5 ⭐ 

- Kozlovna U Paukerta (Czech Traditional Pub) 4.5 ⭐ 

 

[$$]

- Oliva Nera (Elegant Italian dining with seasonal outdoor seating) 4.3 ⭐ 

- V Zátiší (Elegant fine dining blending Czech and international flavors) 4.7⭐

- Monarch (Modern steakhouse with extensive wine list) 4.5 ⭐

 

[$$]

- Alma (Modern Czech with Global Twist) 4.7 ⭐ 

- Restaurant 420 (Modern Czech fine dining by Michelin-starred chef) 4.4 ⭐