Komunitní centrum svatého Prokopa

Komunitní centrum svatého Prokopa is an unusual church-and-community complex in Prague, standing on the Nové Butovice housing estate in the Stodůlky district (Prague 13). It combines the role of a Roman Catholic parish church for Prague-Stodůlky with that of a genuine neighborhood community hub — a good example of how modern sacred architecture can serve a purpose well beyond Sunday liturgy.

Where exactly is it?

The building sits on the eastern side of Sluneční náměstí, at V Hůrkách 1292/8, right next to the Hůrka metro station on line B. That makes it easy to reach for anyone getting around Prague by public transport — the ride from the city center takes only a matter of minutes, and it's a short walk from the metro exit through the housing estate to the entrance.

How to get there?

The simplest way is metro line B to Hůrka station, from which the center is visible almost immediately after leaving the underground concourse. The Nové Butovice estate has clearly marked pedestrian paths, so finding your way isn't difficult even for visitors unfamiliar with Prague. Drivers will find street parking nearby, typical of this turn-of-the-millennium residential district.

What is there to see inside?

At the heart of the complex is the church nave, built between 1999 and 2001 in an elliptical, oval shape — a deliberate departure from a classical, clearly defined center or starting point. The idea behind this unusual layout is to express something that cannot be reduced to a simple symmetrical form: the intellectually elusive, timeless meaning behind why people gather here in the first place.

Beyond the sanctuary, the building also houses an administrative and social wing used daily by Farní charita Stodůlky, the parish's charity organization, as well as a psychotherapy counseling office. This makes clear that the center isn't a static monument but an active workplace serving the local community.

What keeps the center busy day to day?

The Stodůlky parish runs religious education here for children and teenagers of various ages, prepares adults for baptism, and holds biblical study courses. There are also regular meetings for mothers on parental leave, people with disabilities, and seniors. The calendar typically includes lectures, exhibitions, concerts, social evenings, creative workshops, and exercise classes for women — which means the building is in near-constant use throughout the week, not just on Sundays.

When is the best time to visit?

If you want to see the church interior in peace, a weekday outside of service hours is your best bet. Anyone interested in the cultural side — concerts, exhibitions, or lectures — should check the parish's local calendar before visiting, since the schedule shifts seasonally depending on which activities are currently running.

Frequently asked questions

Is the center open to visitors outside the parish? Yes. As both a place of worship and a community facility, it's accessible to residents and visitors alike, though it's worth timing a visit around service hours and closed group meetings.

What's the fastest way to get there from central Prague? Take metro line B to Hůrka station — given how close the center sits to the Nové Butovice estate, it's by far the quickest and most convenient route.

What makes the building architecturally distinctive? The elliptical shape of the church nave, designed without a clear center or obvious starting point — an unusual choice compared to the classical, symmetrical floor plans typical of church buildings.

Is there anything happening at the center besides religious services? Yes — it's also home to Farní charita Stodůlky and a psychotherapy counseling practice, plus rooms used for parish meetings, courses, and cultural events.