St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle
Basilica in Prague
Tucked away in the serene confines of George Square within Prague Castle, St. George’s Basilica is the oldest surviving church in the city, dating all the way back to 921. Founded by Prince Vratislav I, this ancient basilica is a remarkable fusion of styles and history. Its vibrant red-and-cream Baroque façade, added in the 17th century, stands in dramatic contrast to the stark, Romanesque austerity of the interior. With thick stone walls, rounded arches, and minimal decoration, the interior speaks to the early medieval roots of Christianity in Bohemia. Within the main nave rest the tombs of Přemyslid dynasty members, the first rulers of the Czech lands, making the site not only spiritually significant but also politically symbolic.
A standout feature of the basilica is its unusual two-sided staircase that leads to the high altar, flanked by vivid painted decorations on the apse and ceilings that brighten the otherwise solemn stone surroundings. At the heart of the chapel lies the large stone sarcophagus of Boleslav I, ominously known as Boleslav the Cruel—a ruler infamous for fratricide, having ordered the death of his brother, Wenceslas, later canonized as a saint. To the right of the central stairs is the Chapel of Saint Ludmila, Boleslav’s grandmother and a key figure in the Christianization of Bohemia. Her tragic legend—allegedly strangled by her daughter-in-law, Drahomira—adds layers of religious and familial conflict to the basilica’s heritage.
Beyond its history, St. George’s Basilica also resonates with beauty—literally. The thick Romanesque walls and arched ceilings create extraordinary acoustics, making the church a popular venue for classical music concerts. Even those unfamiliar with the genre will find the setting emotionally stirring, as the music reverberates through the centuries-old stone and stained-glass light. Performances are often held in the evenings, when the basilica glows with candlelight and echoing melodies fill the sacred space.
Just next door is the modest yet historically rich Convent of Saint George, founded in 973 by Boleslav II. While its monastic days are long behind it, the convent now functions as part of the National Gallery in Prague, housing an exceptional collection of Renaissance and Baroque art. Visiting both the basilica and convent provides a rare opportunity to connect deeply with the spiritual, artistic, and dynastic legacies that define the story of Prague.
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Visiting St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle
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