Around 1600 Christian buildings will participate in the Night of Churches this year

Prague - The Night of Churches, which will take place on May 24th, will open approximately 1600 churches and places of worship in the Czech Republic. Compared to last year, about a hundred more churches have joined. Around 7000 programs are prepared. Last year, more than half a million visitor entries were recorded across the Czech Republic, Kristina Poláčková reported at today's press conference on behalf of the coordination team of the event.

According to a survey by the IBRS agency, commissioned by the Czech Bishops' Conference, the Night of Churches is the most recognized church event among people.

As of May 15th, 347 churches have registered in Prague and Central Bohemia. In the center of the capital, the restored Baroque Brokoff sculpture of the Calvary will be on display at St. Haštal Church this year. In Prague 11, next to St. Francis of Assisi Church, the public transport company will set up a cinema bus, where the documentary Pope Francis: A Man of His Word will be screened, among others.

The Night of Churches is intended for the public. It offers the opportunity to familiarize oneself with Christian, often otherwise inaccessible, buildings. Guided tours, concerts, discussions, and other programs are prepared for visitors.

Churches can join the event practically until the last moment. The latest information about the program and locations that can be visited this year is available on the website nockostelu.cz.

The first Night of Churches in the Czech Republic took place in 2009. It was inspired by Vienna, where the event has been held since 2005. The event originated by chance when, a year earlier, the caretaker of one of Vienna's churches left the doors open during cleaning. Passersby then entered the church with interest.