Infant Jesus of Prague - History and Miracles
The statue of Infant Jesus of Prague
The Infant Jesus of Prague is the most famous religious statue in the city, attracting pilgrims and tourists from around the world. In this guide, we explore its history, miracles, and spiritual significance, along with where to find the Child of Prague statue and how to visit it. Keep reading to discover the best ways to experience this sacred icon in person.
History of Prague’s Infant Jesus
According to legend, the Infant Jesus statue, also known as the Child of Prague, was carved by a 16th-century Spanish monk. The first recorded owner was a Spanish noblewoman, Isabel de Briceño, who gifted it to her daughter, Marie Manrique de Lara y Mendoza, upon her betrothal to Bohemian aristocrat Vratislav of Pernštejn.
Marie later gave the statue to her daughter Polyxena as a protective talisman for her marriage to William of Rožmberk, who was 32 years older and had lost three wives to mysterious illnesses. Polyxena outlived him, remarried, and eventually donated the statue to the Discalced Carmelites in the Church of Our Lady Victorious, where it remains today.
Interior of the Church of our Lady Victorious in Prague Lesser Town
The statue survived the 1631 siege of Malá Strana but was found damaged. Monks repaired it and began dressing it for religious holidays. The Discalced Carmelites carried figurines and images of the Infant Jesus of Prague during their missionary work, spreading awareness of the miraculous statue throughout the Catholic world. It remains an important Czech relic, with Pope Benedict XVI visiting it in 2009.
Why is Infant Jesus dressed in different robes?
The tradition of dressing the Infant Jesus of Prague according to different liturgical seasons has been practiced for centuries. The statue's robes come in four colors: white, red, purple, and green.
White – Symbolizing purity, worn during Christmas and Easter.
Red – Representing blood and fire, used for Pentecost, the Feast of the Holy Cross, and Holy Week.
Purple – Worn during Lent and Advent as a sign of penance.
Green – The color for ordinary days throughout the year.
The statue of Infant Jesus of Prague dressed in red for Easter
What was the miracle of the Infant Jesus of Prague?
The main miracle pilgrims have attributed to the Infant Jesus of Prague is healing and protection during wars and epidemics. However, the Irish believe that the miraculous statue can also bring good weather on a wedding day if placed in the garden the night before the event.
Where is Infant Jesus of Prague located?
You can find the statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague in the Church of Our Lady Victorious in Lesser Town. The church is open daily, and entry is free. However, as it is an active place of worship, we recommend checking the opening hours and service schedules below before your visit.
Church of our Lady Victorious in Prague Lesser Town
Church of our Lady Victorious opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM to 7 PM
Museum opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
Sunday: 1 PM to 6 PM
Times of Services:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday - 9 AM only Czech Mass
Thursday - 9 AM Czech Mass, 6 PM English Mass
Saturday - 9 AM Czech Mass, 6 PM Spanish Mass
Sunday - 9 AM Czech Mass, 12 PM English Mass, 6 PM Italian Mass, 7 PM Czech Mass
Author: Valeriia Zahradnikova and Vaclav Zahradnik, Prague guides certified by Prague City Tourism agency. Valeriia and Vaclav have worked in tourism for over 7 years and have guided thousands of Prague visitors.