George of Poděbrady Square
George of Poděbrady Square (Náměstí Jiřího z Poděbrad) is located in the Vinohrady district of Prague, with the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord as its dominant landmark. The square is formed by an urban park surrounded with houses on all sides. It was built in 1896 and was originally called King George Square. Visitors can take a tour of the unique sacral sight and visit regular farmers’ markets where Czech farmers offer their products. George of Poděbrady Square also hosts various gourmet and wine festivals.
Useful information for visitors
Public transport connections
Opening hours and admission
George of Poděbrady Square is freely accessible. Also the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord can be visited free of charge. The church is open for sightseeing half an hour before and after the mass. For current times of masses check the official website of the church. For longer tours you need to make an appointment.
Interesting facts about George of Poděbrady Square
The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord stands in the middle of the square. It was finished in 1932, after many years of funding problems. The design was carried out by Slovenian architect Josip Plečnik, who gave up his honorarium. The building is inspired by Noah’s Ark and is formed by three main divisions – a sacristy with a hall and an underground chapel, a large tower with a round window and the largest clock in the Czech Republic, and the main temple hall with a massive altar made of white marble. The interior is made of bare bricks, with golden crosses on the walls, heroic statues of six Czech patron saints, and the statue of Christ in a symbolic heart. The ceiling is made of wooden panels.
Farmers’ markets regularly take place on George of Poděbrady Square from February to December, offering visitors fresh cheese, fish, honey, fruit, vegetable and various handmade products related to gastronomy. The markets are open from Wednesday to Friday and also on Saturday. For more information, click here.
