The idea comes originally from Vienna. From there it spread to the Czech Republic, where it was held last year in the towns Brno and Pilsen. This year it will take place in many towns throughout Czech Republic. Prague Archdiocese will open more than 65 churches on Friday 28th May from 6 p.m., in Prague alone there will be 44 catholic and evangelic churches open.

It is up to parishes

Many Praguers will no doubt regret that not all of the churches, especially those which are generally difficult to visit, will be open to visitors that night.  “It depends on each individual parish what it decides,” said Prague Archdiocese spokesman Aleš Pištora. “Some churches, especially the ones in the centre, have only a very few parishioners, unsurprisingly it is those ones who are most behind the event,” pointed out the project coordinator, priest Miloš Szabo from the Church of St Prokop in Žižkov. His parishioners organised for example the evening concert of Kühn Children’s Choir with candles, the night tour at 11.30 p.m., and a midnight prayer.

Open not only churches

“This should be a night when not only church buildings are open but the church itself is open to people. We want people to get closer to each other,” said Prague Archbishop Dominik Duka. “Come with an open heart, you will be welcome,” invites Miloš Szabo. Dominik. Duka pointed out that this is one of the very few chances when people can see the places where the access is otherwise prohibited, such as the sacristies or choirs.

Programme for everyone

Every open church offers a programme that has something for everyone from kids to adults, those who love history, theatre and music… In St Vavřinec Church in Jinonice the parishioners have prepared a programme called the Workshop of St Vavřinec Bellman. The Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord on the square Jiřího z Poděbrad will present the play St Veronica Legend. You can descend a stalactite cave with candles in Saint Mountain by Příbram, and take a look at an exhibition of liturgical items that will be displayed in St Tomas Church in Josefska Street. For the programme details visit the project’s website.

Election didn’t play any part

The Night of Churches will be held at the same time as the parliamentary elections. Last year, the event was held on 29th May. “Don’t think this was intentional,” answered Dominik Duka when asked by journalists about the coinciding dates. He also pointed out that the elections are held in an extraordinary term, but the Night of Churches has been prepared for much longer.

In Prague as well as outside of Prague

The Night of Churches is similar to the other big night event – the Museum Night, which is held on different days in different towns to give people an option to visit museums also outside their home towns. Maybe it would be a good idea to divide the Night of Churches as well, as there are many other jewels also outside the capital city.