Statue of Saint Philip Neri (Prague)

The Statue of Saint Philip Neri stands on Hradčany Square in Prague, right beside the main gate leading into the courtyard of Prague Castle. It is one of many Baroque religious sculptures that have shaped the character of this part of the city for centuries — visitors heading toward the castle pass within a few steps of this stone figure, even if it doesn't always draw the same attention as the castle itself.

Where exactly does the statue stand?

The sculpture sits on Hradčany Square, the open plaza that leads directly to Prague Castle, one of the most visited sites in the entire city. Its coordinates (50.089417, 14.399028) place it almost right at the entrance to the castle courtyard, meaning nearly every visitor walking toward the castle passes it on the way, often without stopping to notice it amid the crowds and the square's other attractions.

Who was Saint Philip Neri?

Philip Neri (1515–1595) was an Italian Catholic priest best known as the founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, a community of priests who lived without formal religious vows and devoted themselves to prayer, music, and pastoral care. During his lifetime in Rome he was known for his cheerful, approachable manner, which earned him a reputation as one of the more good-humored saints of the Catholic tradition. He was canonized in 1622, and devotion to him subsequently spread across Catholic Europe, including Bohemia.

Who carved the statue and when was it made?

The statue dates to 1715 and is attributed to the workshop of the Brokoff family, one of the leading sculptural dynasties of Baroque Prague, also known for the statues that line Charles Bridge. Ferdinand Brokoff and Michael Johann Joseph Brokoff both worked on this piece. It was carved from sandstone, the material most commonly used for outdoor sculpture in Prague at the time — durable enough to withstand the elements, though it still requires periodic conservation.

What artistic style does it represent?

The statue belongs to the Baroque style, the dynamic, expressive movement that dominated Prague's squares and churches around the turn of the 18th century. It was during this period that most of the saintly statues visible today around Prague Castle and in the Lesser Town neighborhood were created.

Is the statue legally protected?

Yes. The sculpture is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic. It is maintained by the Prague City Gallery (Galerie hlavního města Prahy) as part of its collection of public art distributed across the city. This means the piece is subject to ongoing conservation oversight, which matters for preserving its original sandstone surface over time.

Is it worth stopping for?

The statue itself is unlikely to be the main reason anyone visits Hradčany, but it deserves a brief look on the way to the castle — it is part of a larger ensemble of Baroque religious sculpture that gives the square its distinctive, monumental atmosphere. For anyone interested in Baroque sculpture or the Brokoff family's work, it makes for an easy, unmissable stop along the route through Hradčany.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Statue of Saint Philip Neri located? On Hradčany Square in Prague, near the entrance to the Prague Castle courtyard.

When was the statue made? In 1715.

Who sculpted it? The Brokoff family workshop — Ferdinand Brokoff and Michael Johann Joseph Brokoff.

What material is the statue made from? Sandstone.

Is the statue a protected monument? Yes, it is listed as a cultural monument of the Czech Republic and is cared for by the Prague City Gallery.

Is there an entrance fee to see it? No — the statue stands in the square's public space, freely accessible at any time.