Tyn Church

Tyn Church, or “The Church of Our Lady Before Tyn”, towers over the Old Town Square, reaching a height of around 80 metres.

The Tyn was built in the 15th century, by the followers of the “heretic” Jan Hus (also spelled John Huss in English), who was burnt at the stake in Constance.

The church is built in a Gothic style and it is interesting to note that the two main towers are not identical. This is a according to the Gothic style at the time when there was an aim to represent both masculine and feminine characteristics, therefore there is a “male” tower and a “female” tower.

Inside the church the Gothic architecture is continued with impressive effect, with stained-glass windows adding to the beauty and grandeur of the interior. The Gothic pulpit is an amazing structure and you should check out the paintings on the high altar and side altars by Skreta, the founder of Bohemian baroque painting.

The grave of Danish Astronomer Tycho de Brahe can also be found within The Tyn. Tycho de Brahe died in 1601 whilst serving in the court of Rudolph II.

The view of The Tyn from Old Town Square is probably at its best during darker hours. Brilliant floodlights wash over the front of the church, and an almost mystical glow is cast across the square. The buildings in front of the church seem to take on a “cartoon” or insubstantial appearance as the grand façade of The Tyn looms behind them. Take a camera, you will want pictures of this!