Saint George's Basilica

St. George’s Basilica, located within the complex of Prague Castle, is one of the oldest and most significant churches in the city, dating back to 920 AD. It was founded by Vratislaus I of Bohemia and is dedicated to Saint George. This building not only represents an important example of Romanesque architecture, but also holds a rich history intertwined with the political and religious events of the region. The original basilica was expanded in 973 with the addition of a convent for Benedictine nuns. Unfortunately, a devastating fire in 1142 destroyed much of it, leading to a reconstruction that gave the basilica its current Romanesque style. During the 13th century, the Chapel of Saint Ludmila was added, which houses the remains of the saint, grandmother of Saint Wenceslaus, one of the most revered figures in Bohemian history. The basilica underwent further modifications over the centuries, including a significant intervention in the Baroque period, when architect F.M. Kanka added the Chapel of Saint John Nepomuk at the beginning of the 18th century. This chapel is characterized by a rich decorative scheme that contrasts with the Romanesque simplicity of the main church. The facade of the basilica, now characterized by a lively terracotta color, is the result of 19th-century restorations, particularly between 1887 and 1908, carried out by František Mach, who sought to restore the original Romanesque appearance after the building was severely damaged during the military occupation in the 18th century. The interior of the basilica is austere and monumental, dominated by walls of limestone blocks. This contrast with the Baroque and Rococo churches of Prague creates a unique atmosphere, where the Romanesque simplicity enhances the spirituality of the place. The basilica is a three-nave basilica with two towers located at the eastern end, named Adam and Eve respectively. St. George’s Basilica is also an important burial place for the Přemyslid dynasty, which ruled Bohemia in the Middle Ages. Among those buried there are Vratislaus I, Oldřich, and Jaromír, as well as Saint Ludmila. The presence of these tombs underscores the historical and religious significance of the site. During the reign of Joseph II, the basilica and the adjacent convent were deconsecrated and used by the military, a fate common to many religious buildings of the time. However, thanks to subsequent restoration efforts and its transformation into a museum, the basilica has been preserved and now houses the 19th-century Bohemian art collection of the National Gallery in Prague. Additionally, the building is used as a concert hall, taking advantage of the excellent acoustics of its high Romanesque vaults. Among the artworks preserved inside, the fragments of 12th-century frescoes stand out, offering valuable insights into medieval art. The decorations also include an altar with paintings and frescoes depicting scenes from the lives of saints, adding further artistic and historical value to the basilica.