The Infant Jesus of Prague has been an object of veneration and pilgrimage for around 400 years. This small wooden wax-coated statue is only around 45 centimetres tall yet is believed to have miraculous powers.
The Holy Infant Jesus of Prague can be found in one of the most beautiful churches of Prague, the early Baroque Church of Our Lady Victorious. It attracts devotees from all around the world, particularly Spanish-speaking countries.
In this article I explain where you can find the statue, its history, how to get to the church housing the statue and its shrine, and places to see close to it. The Infant Jesus of Prague is known worldwide, but many visitors to Prague (and indeed residents) aren’t aware of it, so it’s very much one of the hidden gems of the Czech capital.
What Is the Infant Jesus of Prague
The Infant of Prague is a small 16th century wooden statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague. It was made in Spain, and brought to Prague by a Spanish princess. It was eventually believed to have some miraculous powers, and has been the object of veneration within the Roman Catholic church for several hundred years.
Infant Jesus of Prague History
The Infant of Prague story begins in Spain, where it was made some time in the 16th century. It was brought to Prague by Duchess Maria Manriquez de Lara, who came to Bohemia to marry nobleman Vratislav of Pernštejn.
The statue was eventually passed to her daughter, Polyxena of Lobkowicz, and she later donated It to the Order of Discalced Carmelites (also known as the Barefoot Carmelites) who were based at the Church of Our Lady Victorious.
The church and statue were damaged during the Thirty Years War, with the statue’s hands broken off, and it was discarded in a corner of the church with some rubbish.
One of the monks, Cyrillus, was praying before the broken statue, and he heard the words, ”Give me my hands, and I will give you peace. The more you honour me, the more I will bless you.” The message was attributed to the small figure of the Infant Jesus, which was duly repaired.
News of the statue’s message attracted interest and visits from devotees. Miracles have been attributed to the Infant Jesus of Prague, which in turn has generated more and more visits from pilgrims.
The Robes Of Jesus Infant of Prague
The Infant Jesus in Prague is dressed in vestments for much of the year, and these robes reflect the church’s liturgical season.
For much of the year, the Infant of Prague robes are green, which is the same colour worn by Catholic clergy for almost half the church year after Pentecost. It is also dressed in purple, red, gold or blue vestments, depending on the time in the church calendar.
You may have noticed that the Infant Jesus of Prague is in a state of some undress in a couple of our images, including the one above. This is because he is left partly naked during the season of Advent. The lower part of his body is kept covered to protect the fragile wax covering.
The Infant Jesus of Prague is always holding an orb and cross, which are symbols of authority and kingship within the Roman Catholic Church.
Over 40 sets of robes are kept in the church, and those not in use can be seen in the small museum inside the church.
See Also: Tyn Church Prague – One Of The Most Beautiful Gothic Churches In Europe
Where Is The Infant Jesus of Prague
The Infant of Prague statue is in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in the Mala Strana (Lesser Quarter) district of Prague. It is also sometimes referred to as the Church of Our Lady of Victories and St Anthony of Padua.
The Czech name for the church is Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné.
It’s one of the finest Baroque churches in Prague, and it’s located at the foot of Petřin Hill. Its address is Karmelitska 9 118 Praha 1.
As you enter the church, it’s the second chapel on the right-hand side (north aisle) of the building. Most of the side chapels are very elaborate, but the Infant Jesus chapel really stands out from the others.
How To Get To The Infant Jesus of Prague
The Church in which the Infant of Prague statue is located is near the Hellichova tram stop in Mala Strana Prague. Trams 12, 15, 20 and 22 call at this stop.
If you’re travelling south – from Malostranské náměstí – the stop is right outside the church. However, if you’re travelling from the south by tram – the stop before is Újezd – then the Hellichova stop on the opposite side of the street is around 200 metres south of the church.
The nearest Prague Metro stop to the Infant Jesus of Prague statue is Malostranská, on line A (the green line on the map). From there you can either walk to the church or catch one of the 12, 15, 20 or 22 trams south (the closer platform to the station, with trams heading right). The Hellichova stop is two stops away from there.
Alternatively you can walk to the Infant Jesus of Prague church from the Charles Bridge. You can either take a short cut through Kampa Island or walk up Mostecka, one of the prettiest Prague streets, the turn left down Karmelitska for the five-minute walk to the church.
Things To See Near The Infant Jesus of Prague
As you travel along Karmelitska towards the Infant Jesus of Prague church, you’ll see several shops, each selling similar souvenirs, figurines and keepsakes associated with the statue.
The Church of Our Lady Victorious is close to some of the best things to do in Prague. It’s at the foot of Petřin Hill, a large parkland area with some of the best walks in Prague. If you’re visiting Prague in springtime or autumn take a walk up the hill for some of the best views of the city, including St Vitus Cathedral and the Mala Strana district. The view of the Church of Our Lady Victorious is also far better from the park than the street.
It’s a 5-minute walk back towards Malostranské náměstí, and just before you cross the road to St Nicholas Church, look out for the entrance to Vrtba Garden Prague.
This gorgeous Baroque garden makes use of the steep lower slope of Petřin Hill, and the terraces built into it are some of the best viewpoints in Prague.
St Nicholas Church is a cathedral-sized Baroque parish church, its dome and tower among the most recognisable landmarks of Prague. The tower, officially called the St Nicholas Town Belfry, is one of the best towers in Prague to visit.
You can explore the caretaker’s living quarters, enjoy superb views and visit the gantry at the top, which the Soviets used as a listening post to spy on embassies in the surrounding streets during the Cold War.
The Charles Bridge is the most famous of the bridges in Prague, and one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe. It forms part of a processional route from Prague Castle to the Old Town, and the stone arches were completed in the early 15th century.
The stunning Baroque statues which line the bridge and help make those amazing Prague silhouettes were added around two centuries later.
Prague Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, and a 10-15 minute climb up the hill from Mala Strana.
David Angel is a British photographer, writer and historian. He is a European travel expert with over 30 years’ experience exploring Europe. He has a degree in History from Manchester University, and his work is regularly featured in global media including the BBC, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The Times, and The Sunday Times. David is fluent in French and Welsh, and can also converse in Italian, German, Portuguese, Spanish, Czech and Polish.