chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk in Radlice

The Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk in Radlice is a small Baroque building standing in Prague 5, at Radlická 150/333. It is the only surviving structure from the old village square of Radlice, now surrounded by modern office development.

Where does the chapel come from?

The chapel was built in 1722 on the former village square that once formed the center of the independent municipality of Radlice. The village itself is first mentioned in written sources as early as 1283, when the young King Wenceslaus II gave it to his nursemaid. For centuries the square remained the heart of the settlement, and the chapel is the only building from its original layout that has survived to the present day.

What does the chapel look like?

It is a modest, rectangular Baroque building. A small bell tower rises above its eastern section, while the western façade features a simple decorative entrance portal. The architecture is restrained and unpretentious, typical of rural sacred buildings of its era — and it is precisely this simplicity that gives the chapel its distinctive, intimate character against the backdrop of the modern office towers surrounding it today.

What has changed here in recent years?

In 2007, construction was completed on the ČSOB office complex, designed by architect Josef Pleskot. As part of that development, the chapel underwent a thorough reconstruction, which is why the historic building has survived in good condition despite the complete redevelopment of its surroundings. The contrast between the 18th-century chapel and the modern office architecture is now one of the more striking urban details in this part of Prague.

How do you get there?

The chapel stands on Radlická street, right next to Radlická metro station on line B — the easiest way to reach it from the city center. A tram stop is also located just nearby, so the site is accessible by both metro and tram. The walk from the station exit takes only a few minutes.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

Since the chapel now sits within a heavily commercialized office district, it is worth combining a visit with a short walk through the surrounding streets of Radlice, where a few traces of the old village fabric can still be spotted. It makes for a good brief stop for visitors exploring the less touristy but historically interesting corners of Prague 5, away from the crowds of the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Chapel of Saint John of Nepomuk in Radlice built? The chapel was built in 1722 on the former village square of the once-independent municipality of Radlice.

How do you get to the chapel by public transport? The easiest way is to take metro line B to Radlická station — the chapel stands right next to it, with a tram stop also nearby.

Can you visit the inside of the chapel? Today the building mainly serves as a historic landmark within the urban landscape — it's best treated as a short stop on a walk through Radlice rather than a site with regular visiting hours.

Why is the chapel surrounded by modern buildings? In 2007 the ČSOB office complex, designed by architect Josef Pleskot, was completed on this site, and the developer financed the reconstruction of the historic chapel, allowing it to survive amid the new construction.