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St. George’s Basilica in Prague: A Must-Visit for History and Architecture Lovers
St. George’s Basilica, Prague is one of the landmarks in Prague that you shouldn’t miss. Aside from its impressive, well-preserved Romanesque architecture, the basilica has a long history and is recognized as the second oldest church in the city. Within the Prague Castle Complex, St. George’s Basilica is the oldest church building.
St. George’s Basilica is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Prague, and for good reason. The basilica is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture, and it is home to a rich history.
The basilica was founded in the 10th century by Prince Vratislav I, and it was originally part of a Benedictine monastery. The basilica was rebuilt in the 12th century after a fire, and it has been restored several times since then.
The interior of the basilica is beautifully decorated, and it features a number of impressive frescoes and altarpieces. The basilica is also home to the tomb of St. Ludmila, the grandmother of St. Wenceslas.
St. George’s Basilica is located within the Prague Castle Complex, and it is easily accessible by public transportation. The basilica is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from April to October, and from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from November to March.
If you are interested in history and architecture, then St. George’s Basilica is a must-visit destination in Prague. The basilica is a beautiful and historic landmark, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression. Know more about this historical religious landmark. To help you plan your trip, we’ve created this handy guide for you.
A Brief History of Prague Basilica of St. George
Established around 920 A.D. by Prince Vratislav I, St. George’s Basilica is considered one of Prague’s most historic landmarks. In 973 A.D., the basilica was enlarged with the founding of the Benedictine nuns, which paved the way for the construction of St. George’s Benedictine Convent.
However, a devastating fire in 1142 consumed part of the church, which led to its reconstruction. That gave the basilica its current Romanesque interior. During the first half of the 13th century, the church saw the addition of a chapel that was consecrated to St. Ludmila, the grandmother of St. Wenceslas.
Throughout its long existence, St. George’s Basilica, Prague, had become a witness to history and the various periods that came with it. Its striking façade and subsequent renovations were a testament to the Early Baroque period. In the early 18th century, the church had another addition to its structures. F.M. Kanka, a Czech architect and builder, added the Baroque Chapel of St. John Nepomuk.
During the late 18th century, however, the church was occupied by troops. It wasn’t until 1887 when its reconstruction was resumed. This lasted until 1908, following the design of F. Mach, who was able to restore the church’s original Romanesque appearance.
What You Can Expect to See When You Get to the Prague Castle of St George Basilica
You can opt to join a guided tour of the Prague Castle to get a good look at the basilica’s Romanesque interior, as well as the tomb of the Přemyslids. One of the tombs belongs to Prince Vratislav, the father of St. Wenceslas.
Outside, St. George’s Basilica is flanked by two white stone steeples, one at the south and a narrower one located at the north. The former, which is a wider tower, is called Adam, while the latter is called Eve.
Inside, you can see the altar paintings and frescoes on the dome, which are works by V.V. Reiner, who was a Baroque painter. You can also see the chapel of St. Ludmila, which houses her tomb and relics.
How to Get The Prague Basilica of St George
To get to St. George’s Basilica at Prague Castle, you need to visit the Prague Castle Complex first. There are several ways to reach the castle complex. Here are some of them:
- Via tram no. 22
Taking tram no. 22 gives you a variety of options to get to the castle complex. The first option requires you to take the tram and to stop at Pražský hrad. From there, turn left and walk for about five minutes until you get to the 2nd Courtyard.
Another option to get to the Prague Basilica of St. George is to take tram no. 22 and stop at Pohořelec. Walk down the hill, and in around 10 minutes, you can reach Hradčany square. The entrance to the complex can be accessed through the 4th Courtyard. Alternatively, you can take tram no. 22 to Malostranské náměstí. Once there, you need to navigate Zamecka street and turn left at Thunovska street after 15 meters. This route will take you to the New Castle Stairs. Climb up the steps to reach Hradčanské Square, and access the castle complex via the 4th Courtyard.
- Via metro line A
You can also get to St George’s Basilica at Prague Castle by taking the metro line A (green line) and stop at the Malostranska station. Follow tram no. 22. Once you‘ve reached 100 meters, turn left to get to the Old Castle Stairs. Climb up the steps to get to the Na Opyši gate.
Other Things You Need to Know Before Your Visit to the Basilica of St George Prague Castle
The Basilica of St. George’s lies within the Prague Castle Complex. As such, you can find it at Prague Castle náměstí U Svatého Jiří, 119 00 Praha 1 Hradčany. It’s part of the Prague Castle circuit admission, so you don’t need to pay additional fees. The St George’s Basilica at Prague Castle is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from April to October. During November to March, it’s open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. To check the admission fees and to stay updated on the opening hours, which may vary, visit the Prague Castle for visitors website.
