Church of San Giacomo

The Church of St. James, located in the heart of the Old Town of Prague, is a jewel of Czech Baroque, rich in history, art, and legends. Founded in the 13th century by the Franciscans, the church has seen many transformations and vicissitudes over the centuries, reflecting the political and social turmoil of Bohemia. The original church, built in Gothic style, was severely damaged by a fire in 1689. This disaster was an opportunity for a complete Baroque-style restoration, led by architect Jan Simon Panek and with the contribution of talented artists such as Ottavio Mosto, who sculpted many of the Baroque statues, and Vaclav Vavrinec Reiner, author of extraordinary frescoes. Upon entering the Church of St. James, one is immediately struck by the opulence of its interior. The ceiling is adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from the life of St. James and Franciscan saints, while the walls and side altars are covered with elaborate and gilded decorations. The main altar, a masterpiece of Baroque art, is dominated by a large altarpiece depicting the martyrdom of St. James, a work by Peter Brandl. One element that catches the attention of visitors is the presence of a mummified hand hanging on the right wall of the entrance. According to legend, this hand belonged to a thief who tried to steal jewels from the statue of the Virgin Mary, but was miraculously caught when the statue grabbed his hand. As punishment, the thief’s hand was cut off and hung as a warning to other potential wrongdoers. Music has always played a central role in the life of the church. The large Baroque organ, built in 1705, is one of the largest in the Czech Republic and attracts musicians and enthusiasts from around the world. Regular concerts of sacred and Baroque music are held here, creating a bridge between the past and the present, and keeping alive the musical tradition of the church. Despite the numerous vicissitudes, including damage suffered during the world wars, the Church of St. James has always found a way to rise again and maintain its splendor. Restoration efforts throughout the 20th century have preserved its artistic and architectural wealth, making it one of the most visited and admired monuments in Prague.