We invite you to attend St. James Christmas OrganFestival in Prague held in the church - basilica of St. James Greater in the Old Town of Prague. Due to video projection during the concert, you will have a chance to see the organist playing the organ and the other performing artists.
The Church of St. James the Greater in Prague's Old Town has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, when it was founded as part of a Minorite monastery. After several fires and rebuildings, it was completed in Baroque style in the 17th century. Its interior is decorated with rich frescoes and paintings, many of which were created by Václav Vavřinec Reiner.
The organ of the Church of St. James is one of the most important in the Czech Republic and dates from 1705. They were built by Abraham Stark from Loket and are valued for their quality and sound, which is played by leading organists from all over the world during festivals and concerts.
In the north side aisle near the altar there is an important Baroque tombstone by the sculptor Ferdinand Maxmilián Brokoff, designed by the Baroque artist Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. This tombstone is dedicated to Count Jan Václav Vratislav of Mitrovice, an important Czech nobleman and diplomat. Brokoff, one of the leading sculptors of his time, created a monumental tombstone with rich sculptural decoration and allegorical figures, making it a masterpiece of the Czech Baroque and one of the most famous tombstones in Prague.
The church of St. James Greater is located in eastern part of the Old Town of Prague. The shortest walk from the public transportation is to arrive by trams 6, 8, 15 or 26, by bus 207 or metro B line to the stop “Náměstí Republiky". Walk directly towards Municipal House, leave it on your left, following U Obecního domu Street, at the end turn to the right to Rybná, then left and right – you will find the church on your right. At the end of the lane if you turn again to the right, you will get to the front of the church (about 450 m/ 0,310 miles).
If you prefer longer walk, than for example use metro A line to Staroměstská metro station following Kaprova Street, crossing the Old Town Square, leave the church of Our Lady before Týn of your right, get through Ungelt courtyard and, turn left and you are standing in front of the entrance to the church.