Our Lady Before Tyn in Staromestske Namesti by Chipka
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Description
I'm not a religious person, but this cathedral is one of my favorites in the world. It's not exquisitely spectacular, as far as size goes, but it's distinct in so many other ways. It's the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn, and it dominates one side of Old Town Square (or Staromestske Namesti, in Czech) in Prague. It's also not too far from places where Franz Kafka hung out...in fact the house Kafka was born in, his "Native House" as the sign proclaims it, is a roughly 5 minute walk from this church. When I left Prague, the gold Virgin Mary nailed between the two Spires was covered in scaffolding and being polished but the job was done by the time I returned. The Virgin Mary isn't actually the original ornament there. The church was founded in 1385, which is also around the time that "heretic" Hussites were being mercilessly slaughtered by the ruling Roman Catholics. The Cross-shaped markings on the cobblestones roughly correspond to the places where over 28 Hussites, and Jan Hus himself, (if I'm not mistaken) were beheaded. At around that time, the Hussite symbol of a golden chalice stood mounted where the Virgin Mary gleams now. In fact, the Virgin Mary was cast from the gold that originally defined the chalice.
Also, if you look carefully, you'll see that the spires aren't symmetrical. One's bigger than the other. They are said to represent Adam and Eve, though the custom of asymmetrical architecture representing the masculine and feminine elements is a bit more primordial than the Judeo-Christian tradition that absorbed it.
Old Town Square (Staromestske Namesti) is steeped in history, and this is actually one of the few images I have of it. Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it, and as always, thank you for viewing and commenting.
Comments (17)
SSoffia
PERFECT CAPTURE & COMPOSITION !!!!!
Janiss
Oh Chip, again fantastic! Such marvelous night's atmosphere... such big pleasure for me!
Rainbowgirl
Yes, it's a beautiful sight and a great photo! Wonderful light! (Jan Hus was not beheaded, he was burned at the stake at Konstanz in 1415. The prosecution of his followers happened after this date. 1385 he was approximately 15 years old. ;-))
halcon_89
Fantastica captura con una iliminacion buenisima++++5
Heathcroft
Great night shot Chip!
MagikUnicorn
BIG BEAUTY
Chipka
Ooops...As Rainbowgirl pointed out, Jan Hus WASN'T beheaded near the spot where the crosses are arranged into cross shaped patterns in the cobblestones, but 28 Hussites WERE beheaded there. The cobblestones actually define an area of the square closer to the Astronomical Clock, so they're not really a part of the whole Tyn Cathedral complex thingie. I should also point out that the astrologer Tycho Brahe is laid to rest in this Cathedral, but it's one of the few cathedrals around Prague that still sees regular worship services so it's a bit hard to just traipse in there and take pictures. It's a gorgeous cathedral though.
Valerie-Ducom
Beautiful light and color on this place ! Good day :)
JaneEden
You take excellent night shots, and this one is fabulous - hugs Jane xx
RobyHermida
Very very nice......................
trishabadblood
wow...BEAUTIFUL....
mbz2662
It looks magical! Great capture!
beachzz
Chip, your eye for these night shots is incredible!! The this church is lit makes it seem as though it's made of silver!! Stunning!!
Liam.
Fantastic POV. I love how the light reflects on the stones, makes the photo alive.
shahlaa
I can see your love for it Chip...it's exquisite...I love the old charm feel about it but even more I love the lights and the foreground...I'd love to see this in person...thank you for sharing!
NefariousDrO
I love the way and time you shot this photo. The light on the cathedral is very dramatic, and the crowded square has a real "activity" feel to it. The history is also quite fascinating as well. wonderful photo!
Valentin
Another wonderful capture of this pretty mood in the city !