Prague, Czech Republic

Good King Wenceslas of Christmas carol fame, who was actually a duke, made Christianity the state religion of Bohemia (Czech Republic) during the 930's. Even today, Prague is known as the city of a thousand spires. However, a mindset of non-belief in the Czech Republic is the legacy of fifty years rule by Nazis and Communists. In 1949, the Communist government confiscated church property and arrested thousands of priests.

Saint Augustine—Chain Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic

31 / 43

Saint Augustine—Chain Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic

There are thirty religious statues mounted on either side of the Charles Bridge.

The convent of St. Augustinian Order of the Church of St. Thomas donated the statue of the patron saint to the city of Prague in 1708. This is a copy erected in 1971. The original statue is stored in Gorlice at Vyšehrad.

In St. Augustine’s right hand he holds a burning heart while stepping on heretical books whose teachings he defeated. At his left foot an angel tries to pour a sea from a seashell. “It is easier to transfer a sea than to understand the secret of the Holy Trinity.”

Prague statue church saint augustine Photography by Gary Ricketts Gary Ricketts gicketts for sale czech travel vacation sightseeing ricketts Capturing History Through Photography Czech Republic Europe Religion holy ground

Prague, Czech Republic

All photos © 2004-2023 Gary Ricketts. All rights reserved.

No derivative works can be used, published, distributed or sold without written permission.