The restoration of the wooden Church of St Michael the Archangel on Petřín Hill in Prague is making visible progress. Following the severe fire in 2020, the 18th-century monument is being rebuilt faithfully to its original form.
The restoration of the wooden Church of Saint Michael the Archangel (Chrám sv. archanděla Michaela) on Petřín Hill is progressing, after it was severely damaged by a fire in October 2020. In restoring this significant example of vernacular architecture from the 18th century, the highest value is placed on the original carpentry and the historical significance of the building.
The wooden Church of Saint Michael the Archangel originally comes from the Carpathian Ukraine (now part of Ukraine) and was moved to Prague in 1929. On the night of 28 October 2020, a fire broke out, heavily damaging all towers, large parts of the roof, and sections of the log structure. The city of Prague subsequently began a complete restoration based on historical records and documentation, accompanied by numerous experts.
Before dismantling, the parts of the church that survived the fire were carefully measured and documented to enable exact copies to be made. All elements were numbered, the extent of the damage assessed, and a procedure for partial repair or complete replacement developed. The restorations are being carried out using traditional carpentry techniques. Of particular importance was the use of oak wood, felled in winter to ensure the correct moisture content, and the shaping of the beams according to historical craftsmanship.
At present, the log structure has been completed, with work on the roof truss and gallery ongoing. At the same time, conservationists are working on a replica of the original interior fittings, particularly the iconostasis. The original furniture is now housed in the ethnographic section of the National Museum. Completion is planned for the third quarter of 2026. The total cost of the restoration amounts to just under 47 million Czech crowns.
Part of the restoration also includes the insertion of a copper time capsule, 34 cm high and 10 cm in diameter. It contains documents, photos of the construction, plans, as well as Czech coins and banknotes. The capsule is scheduled to be placed in the structure in the middle of next year. Once completed, the church will be handed over to the Muzeum Prahy.
