The Church of Our Lady before Tyn is the dominant feature of Old town in Prague, and it has been the main church since the 14th century.  In the 11th century, this area was occupied by a Romanesque church, which was replaced by an early Gothic Church of Our Lady in 1256.  Construction of the present church began in the 14th century in the late Gothic style.  By the beginning of the 15th century, construction was almost complete; only the towers and roof were missing.  At this time the church was controlled by Hussites and their symbol, a huge golden chalice, had been placed on the central gable.  However, this was a tumultuous period in which the Hussites were being slaughtered by the ruling Roman Catholics.  By the time the roof and towers were completed in 1511, the Catholics had taken over the church.  They melted down the Hussites' golden chalice and with the gold, cast a sculpture of the Virgin Mary and placed it on the central gable where the chalice had been.

The two spires of this powerful Gothic church can be seen from all over Prague.  At first glance they may look identical, but they are not.  One of them is a bit larger and more solid.  It is said that it represents the stronger side of the family, the man.  The smaller tower represents the female.  The towers are 263 feet high.

The "TYN" in the name of the church, was the fence which marked the border of Prague's central marketplace in the 13th century.

The original main entrance to the church is blocked from view when you look at the church from Old Town Square. This was because the Habsburg-backed aristocracy built right in front, and right up to the church, with complete abandonment and without fear of any punishment.   It seems so peculiar to us today.