During the Night of Churches, over 1100 buildings will open today in the Czech Republic

Prague - Over 1100 churches and prayer houses across the Czech Republic will open to the public this evening and night during the next edition of Night of Churches. Originally, the event was supposed to take place on June 5, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, it could not be held, and the organizers announced a new date after the easing of measures against the spread of the infection. Although the lingering measures will impact this year's edition, there are still around 4000 programs prepared for visitors to sacred sites. Many of them will also be available to watch online or broadcasted on TV Noe.

For example, the Archdiocese of Olomouc announced that this year it will focus primarily on providing a space for contemplation and prayer, taking the situation into account. The Night of Churches will also have a more intimate form in the Diocese of Ostrava-Opava. "In a way, it returns to the fundamental idea of this project, which originated 15 years ago in Vienna, where the doors of the church were left open without any program," said Miroslav Přikryl from the Ostrava-Opava Diocese.

Despite the quieter program featuring prayers and meditations, there will be concerts, exhibitions, and other events in churches, temples, chapels, and other sacred sites. For instance, in the chapel at Lukov Castle in the Zlín region, stargazing is planned. The programs can be found on the website www.nockostelu.cz.

The Night of Churches is an opportunity to recognize the cultural value of churches and to get acquainted with Christianity through music, visual arts, theater performances, discussions, or gatherings. People can visit sacristies, monastery gardens, bell towers, and crypts, climb towers, or try playing the organ.

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 was born by chance when a church caretaker left the doors of a Vienna church open while cleaning a year earlier, and passersby entered the church with interest. The Night of Churches is also held in Slovakia, Estonia, and Switzerland joined in 2016.

In recent years, the Night of Churches in the Czech Republic has recorded over half a million visitor entries. According to research by the IBRS agency, commissioned by the Czech Bishops' Conference, the Night of Churches is the most reflected church event among people.