Kostel Panny Marie vítezné (Church of Our Lady Victorious)

Kostel Panny Marie vítezné (Church of Our Lady Victorious) Review

This aging, well-appointed church on the Lesser Quarter's main street is the unlikely home of Prague's most famous religious artifact, the Prazské Jezulátko (Infant Jesus of Prague). Originally brought to Prague from Spain in the 16th century, the wax doll holds a reputation for bestowing miracles on many who have prayed for its help. A measure of its widespread attraction is reflected in the prayer books on the kneelers in front of the statue, which have prayers of intercession in 20 different languages. The "Bambino," as he's known locally, has an enormous and incredibly ornate wardrobe, some of which is on display in a museum upstairs. Nuns from a nearby convent change the outfit on the statue regularly. Don't miss the souvenir shop (accessible via a doorway to the right of the main altar), where the Bambino's custodians flex their marketing skills.