Prague - Bethlehem Chapel

The original Bethlehem Chapel (Betlémská kaple) in Prague was built in the 14th Century. Originally intended as a small chapel, approved by the Catholic diocese, the church was actually built with a large seating capacity and a much different design than that which had been proposed and this resulted in some controversy. At that time the Bethlehem Chapel became synonymous with the name Jan Hus, the Hussite leader who used the church to preach the teachings of John Wyclif, and English reformist. Jan Hus was eventually named a heretic and burned at the stake by the church.

The original Bethlehem Chapel was torn down and the new one was erected in the early 1950s. There are still some remnants of the old building, including the stone floors and the original pulpit. The building hosts a number of Czech national events.