Evangelical church

The Evangelical Church in Smíchov is an unassuming building on the outside with a surprisingly layered history, standing on Na Doubkové street in Prague's Smíchov district. Built at the turn of the 1930s, it now combines its original role as a house of prayer with a second life as an open community hub — an unusual pairing made possible by a bold renovation completed only a few years ago.

Where exactly is it located?

The building stands at Na Doubkové 2040/8, in a quiet residential pocket of Smíchov near Santoška park. It's away from the tourist routes of central Prague, in a district that spent most of the 20th century developing as a residential and industrial suburb of the capital.

Why was it built when it was?

The church was raised between 1930 and 1931, based on a concept by architect Filip Křížek that his son Jaroslav then turned into the detailed design. The timing wasn't accidental: construction was scheduled to finish in time for the 150th anniversary of the Patent of Toleration, the 1781 decree by Emperor Joseph II that, for the first time since the Counter-Reformation, allowed Protestants in the Habsburg lands to practice their faith openly. That's why locals still refer to it as the "jubilee church." The formal opening took place on 28 September 1931, under Alois Bílý, the first pastor of the Smíchov congregation, who served from 1921 to 1936.

How was the building designed?

The architects deliberately drew on the tradition of the old "tolerance chapels," buildings that, under Joseph II's decree, had to look modest and avoid resembling a Catholic church from the outside. A plain façade with a raised entrance reached by a wide flight of steps, a tower, and a symbolic chalice above the main cornice — a nod to the Hussite and Utraquist tradition — define the style. Inside is a spacious prayer hall with a gallery, and the building also houses apartments and parish rooms.

Which congregation does it belong to?

The church is home to the parish congregation of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren in Prague 5 – Smíchov, which has operated as an independent congregation since 1924. It's one of many Prague congregations of this church, which traces its identity back to the Hussite and Reformation traditions.

What changed in the recent renovation?

Between 2021 and 2022 the interior underwent a thorough overhaul. The congregation took a step rarely seen among Evangelical churches: it launched an open architectural competition for the redesign, won by MCA ateliér, led by Pavla Melková and Miroslav Cikán. The architects toned down the previously contrasting yellow-and-brown color scheme, improved the acoustics for both services and concerts, and — the most striking change — fitted the pews with movable bases, so they can be pushed aside to clear the floor for cultural events or dancing.

What is the church used for today?

Thanks to the renovation, the building now operates as the Smíchov Community Space — a venue for worship as well as concerts, neighborhood gatherings, and cultural events. Its foyer hosts Kavárna Santoška, a café open Monday to Friday with a children's play corner and a small gallery-cum-library. The current pastor is Jonatan Hudec, and the congregation's curator is Jana Minaříčková.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Evangelical Church in Smíchov located? On Na Doubkové 2040/8 in Prague's Smíchov district, close to Santoška park.

When was the church built and who designed it? Between 1930 and 1931, based on a concept by architect Filip Křížek developed into a full design by his son Jaroslav; it opened on 28 September 1931.

Why is it called the "jubilee church"? Because construction was timed to finish on the 150th anniversary of Emperor Joseph II's 1781 Patent of Toleration, which gave Protestants the right to worship publicly.

Which church does the congregation belong to? The parish congregation of the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren in Prague 5 – Smíchov, independent since 1924.

What can visitors do here besides attend a service? Stop by Kavárna Santoška in the foyer, or catch a concert or cultural event — following the 2021–2022 renovation, the building now functions as an open community space for the Smíchov neighborhood.