Explore St. George’s Basilica: A Romanesque Gem in Prague
There is a whole new universe waiting for you within Prague Castle, the most popular landmark in the Czech Republic.
The complex includes squares and churches in addition to historic buildings, museums, piers, and towers. At its center is St. George’s Square, which is overlooked by the Basilica of St. George, which is known for its bright brick-red hue.
Historical Significance of St. George’s Basilica
Vratislav I, the father of Saint Wenceslas, founded it in the 10th century, to be exact, in 920 AD. It is the second-oldest church in Prague.
Not only is it one of the oldest churches in the Czech Republic, but it is also the best preserved Romanesque landmark in the country.
Architectural Evolution of St. George’s Basilica
The first signs of the church’s impending expansion into a three-nave basilica appeared around the close of the 10th century. It was reconstructed with a look extremely close to its current one after being destroyed by fire two centuries later.
At that time, two 41-meter-tall white towers were constructed, one named “Eva” for the northern location and the other “Adam” for the southern. Both towers had stone roofs and Romanesque windows.
Saint Ludmila’s Chapel and Other Burials
Then came the time to build the chapel of Saint Ludmila, which would later hold the saint’s tomb. After Princess Ludmila—the first Bohemian martyr and grandmother of Saint Wenceslas—her bones were laid to rest in 925 AD at the Basilica of St. George, the church also welcomed Boleslav II and Prince Vratislav I, while the crypt from the 12th century houses the remains of the Premysl dynasty’s rulers.
The dark sculpture of Brigida, a local girl who was supposedly murdered by her Italian sculptor lover, has a squatting snake on top of her decaying body. This sculpture, which dates back to the 16th century, is an emblem for ostentation.
Romanesque and Baroque Features of the Basilica
Among the original Romanesque embellishments found inside the church are images of abbesses and a Madonna crowned with angels.
A new façade was constructed on the western side of the church in the 14th century, with subsequent modifications in the Baroque style and its signature red color. The portal, which overlooks Jiřská Street, dates back to the 16th century. Here you may also see a number of sandstone sculptures of Vratislav I and the fortunate Mlada.
Numerous artifacts from this magnificent basilica have survived the desecration and military use it endured throughout Joseph II’s rule, adding to the wealth of information available for study and interpretation. It wasn’t until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the Basilica of San Giorgio underwent the extensive renovations that gave it its present look.
The basilica remains one of the most significant sites in Prague today, nearly a century after its construction, owing to its historical, architectural, and spiritual significance.
Visiting St. George’s Basilica: Practical Information
The address is Bazilika sv. Jiří, náměstí U Svatého Jiří, Praha 1 – Hradčany 119 00, which is the church of St. George in Prague Castle.
Some tours of Prague Castle include admission to the basilica in the price of the ticket. You can choose between Visit A (350 CZK) or Visit B (250 CZK), but it’s a good idea to check the price before you buy the ticket.
Open: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (November–March) and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (April–October).
