Things To See In St. George’s Basilica

St. George's Basilica is one of the oldest surviving churches in Prague, located within the premises of Prague Castle. The basilica was founded in the 10th century by Prince Vratislaus I of Bohemia and was initially dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of the prince. Throughout the centuries, the basilica underwent numerous renovations and additions, resulting in its unique architectural blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.


The exterior of the basilica is plain and unassuming, with a modest entrance leading to a small courtyard. However, the interior is a different story altogether, with its grandiose vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and impressive frescoes. The Romanesque nave is the oldest part of the basilica, with its rounded arches and massive pillars, while the Gothic choir and transept were added in the 14th century.


One of the most striking features of St. George's Basilica is the series of frescoes that adorn the walls and ceilings of the choir and transept. The frescoes were painted by the renowned Bohemian artist Master Theodoric in the early 14th century and depict scenes from the life of Christ and the saints. The frescoes are considered some of the finest examples of Gothic art in Central Europe and are a testament to the artistic skill and ingenuity of the medieval period.

The Romanesque Nave
The Romanesque Nave

The nave is the oldest part of the basilica, with its rounded arches and massive pillars. The nave is simple yet striking, and its Romanesque style provides a glimpse into the early architecture of Prague Castle.


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The Gothic Choir And Transept
The Gothic Choir And Transept

The choir and transept were added to the St. George’s Basilica in the 14th century, during the Gothic period. The intricate stone carvings and vaulted ceilings of the choir and transept are a testament to the Gothic architectural style and are truly breathtaking.


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The frescoes
The frescoes

The frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the choir and transept were painted by Master Theodoric, a renowned Bohemian artist, in the early 14th century. The frescoes depict scenes from the life of Christ and the saints and are considered some of the finest examples of Gothic art in Central Europe.


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The Baroque Chapels
The Baroque Chapels

St. George’s Basilica in Prague Castle is the second oldest church established around 920 AD by Prince Vratislaus I. The Romanesque appearance of this church will leave you in awe of the artistic brilliance of the bygone era. This church has been reconstructed twice and has been preserved till date in the best possible way, intricately adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures. The Baroque period undoubtedly left its mark and is one of the most striking features of St. George’s Basilica where one gets to admire the real craftsmanship. 


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Lavish Interiors
Lavish Interiors

Step into the world of grandeur and explore the lavish interiors and exquisite sculptures of St. George’s Basilica that is one of the best examples of Prague’s Romanesque architecture. The interiors of the church are quite simple with one spacious apse and two side aisles yet the intricate details of the structure makes it standout. It comprises thick stone walls with little ornamentation and dark wooden ceilings that portrays the elegance of a Romanesque structure.


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Burial Site of Premyslid Dynasty
Burial Site of Premyslid Dynasty

St. George’s Basilica in Prague was founded in 920 AD by Duke Vratislaus I of Bohemia, the first ruling Czech dynasty and was used as the official burial site for the Premyslid dynasty. The tombs of the Premyslids are situated in the main nave that includes the tomb of the noble ruler Prince Vratislaus. Later, the church was extended into a chapel for St. Ludmila and from a nave church it became the second shrine of Prague Castle.


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Fragments of 12th-Century Frescoes
Fragments of 12th-Century Frescoes

St. George’s Basilica in Prague, a masterpiece, known for its artwork and craftsmanship, is a paradise for all the art lovers out there. Once you are inside the church, especially in the apse, you will get to admire the lavish interiors that are adorned with frescoes from the 12th century. The space is filled with beautiful art pieces on various religious subjects that will offer you a glimpse of the rich history and the exquisite craftsmanship of the bygone era. 


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Remains of St. Ludmila
Remains of St. Ludmila

St. Ludmila was the patron saint of the Czech Republic who was assassinated on 15th September 921 AD. Her remains were transferred from Tetin to Prague, right after her demise and a chapel was built in her honor next to St. George’s Basilica which later became an extended part of it. St. Ludmila’s chapel was the first female Benedictine monastery of St. George’s Basilica and people visit her tomb to pay their respects. 


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Bohemian Art Collection
Bohemian Art Collection

St.George’s Basilica is renowned for its art collection of masterpieces that attracts people from all over the world. The apse of St. George’s Basilica is considered as a space filled with art works and houses several paintings from the 12th century on various religious subjects. Through these art pieces, one can get to know more about the history and the earlier practices and beliefs of the bygone era.


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History of St. George’s Basilica

St. George’s Basilica is one of the oldest surviving churches in the Czech Republic, with a rich and fascinating history that spans over a thousand years. Here are some key points in the history of St. George’s Basilica:

History of St. George’s Basilica

Foundation - St. George’s Basilica was founded in the 10th century by Prince Boleslav II as part of the Prague Castle complex. The basilica was dedicated to St. George, the patron saint of the Bohemian lands.


Romanesque period - The basilica was originally built in the Romanesque style, with a simple nave and rounded arches. The nave is the oldest surviving part of the basilica, and dates back to the 10th century.


Gothic period - In the 14th century, the basilica was expanded with the addition of the Gothic choir and transept. The intricate stone carvings and vaulted ceilings of the choir and transept are a testament to the Gothic architectural style.


Hussite period - During the Hussite Wars in the 15th century, St. George’s Basilica was badly damaged and fell into disrepair. It was later restored in the Renaissance style in the 16th century.


Baroque period - In the 17th century, the basilica was once again renovated, this time in the Baroque style. The Baroque-style organ, which is still in use today, was added during this period.


Modern era - During the 20th century, St. George’s Basilica underwent further renovations and restorations to preserve its historical and cultural significance. Today, the basilica is open to the public and is a popular destination for visitors to Prague.


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Know Before You Go To St. George’s Basilica

Essential Information
Best Time To Visit
Essential Information

Location: St. George's Basilica is located in the Prague Castle complex in the Hradčany district of Prague.


Opening Hours: The visiting hours for St. George’s Basilica in Prague Castle is 9 AM - 5 PM during the summer months and it is 9 AM - 4 PM for the winter months as the days are shorter.


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Facts About St. George's Basilica

  • St. George's Basilica is one of the oldest surviving churches in Prague, founded in the 10th century by Prince Vratislaus I of Bohemia.
  • The basilica is located within the premises of Prague Castle, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Prague.
  • The basilica underwent several renovations and additions, resulting in its unique blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
  • The exterior of the basilica is unassuming, with a modest entrance leading to a small courtyard.
  • The interior of the basilica features grandiose vaulted ceilings, intricate stone carvings, and impressive frescoes.
  • The Romanesque nave is the oldest part of the basilica, with rounded arches and massive pillars, while the Gothic choir and transept were added in the 14th century.
  • The frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the choir and transept were painted by the renowned Bohemian artist Master Theodoric in the early 14th century and depict scenes from the life of Christ and the saints.
  • The frescoes are considered some of the finest examples of Gothic art in Central Europe and are a testament to the artistic skill of the medieval period.
  • The tomb of St. Ludmila, the first Christian martyr of Bohemia and the grandmother of Prince Wenceslaus I, is located in a small chapel adjacent to the basilica and is adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from her life.
  • The basilica also has a rich musical heritage, with a magnificent Baroque-style organ built in the 17th century and still in use today.
  • The basilica hosts regular concerts of classical and sacred music, providing a unique and unforgettable cultural experience for visitors.
  • St. George's Basilica is open to the public for a fee, with guided tours available in several languages.
  • The basilica is a popular venue for weddings and other special events, and its peaceful courtyard provides a picturesque setting for photos.
  • The basilica is surrounded by other attractions within the Prague Castle complex, including the Old Royal Palace and St. Vitus Cathedral.
  • The Prague Castle complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Czech history and culture.
  • St. George's Basilica has survived centuries of political and religious upheaval in Prague and remains an important cultural and religious landmark in the city.


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FAQ's

What is the history of St. George’s Basilica?

    St. George’s Basilica was founded in the 10th century by Prince Boleslav II as part of the Prague Castle complex. It has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a thousand years, with architectural features that reflect different styles and periods.

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