Prague to fully restore historic wooden church devastated by 2020 fire

Prague’s reconstruction of the wooden Church of the Archangel Michael at Petřín is progressing, five years after a devastating fire destroyed much of the 18th-century structure. The restoration aims to preserve the church’s original carpentry, historical integrity, and unique cultural value.

Completion is expected in the third quarter of 2026, with total costs approaching CZK 47 million. The church, originally from Subcarpathian Ruthenia (today part of Ukraine), was relocated to Prague in 1929. Its interior was stripped of original furnishings in the 1970s, including the late-Baroque iconostasis.

The 2020 fire heavily damaged the towers, roofing, and a large portion of the log structure. Prague’s authorities are carefully reconstructing the building using historical documentation, expert oversight, and traditional woodworking techniques.

“Rebuilding St. Michael’s Church is an effort to honor the historical skills of our ancestors,” said Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Heritage. “The fire was a painful loss, but today’s work reflects the dedication of experts, donors, and the community to preserve this landmark for future generations.”

The restoration team uses original carpentry techniques, manually processing oak beams harvested in winter for optimal quality. Damaged logs are repaired using partial replacements, while more than 60% of the original material has been preserved. Six carpenters are working on the project, avoiding mechanized tools to maintain authenticity.

“All elements are carefully documented and numbered before restoration,” explained master carpenter Jiří Zdislav Jankovský. “Even small repairs reuse existing materials wherever possible, keeping the historic fabric intact.”

Public contributions have played a key role, with nearly CZK 2 million CZK raised through donations. These funds help cover labor-intensive repairs and support the reconstruction of wooden elements.

A time capsule was placed in the church during the restoration, containing historical documents, building photographs, and Czech coins and banknotes. It will be sealed and installed within the church in mid-2026.

Jan Wolf, Chair of Prague’s Culture and Heritage Committee, emphasized the church’s symbolic significance: “The church connects Czech and Ukrainian history. Its careful restoration honors both traditions and showcases the city’s commitment to cultural preservation.”

Ondřej Šefců of the National Heritage Institute, overseeing the project, added, “Once completed, the church will not only be a restored monument but a space for visitors to experience history firsthand.”

The restored church will be handed over to the Museum of Prague for management, and is expected to reopen to the public as a significant historical and cultural attraction.

Lukáš Herold, Mayor of Prague 5, reflected on the church’s symbolic importance: “Its restoration demonstrates what can be achieved when experts, institutions, and the public work together. It is a testament to Prague’s dedication to preserving heritage for generations to come.”