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St. George's Basilica: A Romanesque Gem in Prague Castle

Explore Prague's oldest church, St. George's Basilica, a Romanesque architectural treasure within the historic Prague Castle.

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St. George's Basilica, nestled within Prague Castle, is the oldest surviving church building in Prague, dating back to 920 AD. Founded by Prince Vratislav I of Bohemia, this basilica showcases a captivating blend of Romanesque and Baroque architectural styles, bearing witness to centuries of Czech history.

A brief summary to St. George's Basilica

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the basilica's serene atmosphere.
  • Combine your visit with a tour of Prague Castle to see other significant landmarks like St. Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace.
  • Check the schedule for classical music concerts held in the basilica for a unique cultural experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets within the Prague Castle complex.
  • Purchase a Prague Castle ticket in advance online to skip the long queues at the entrance.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Prague's city center, the easiest way to reach St. George's Basilica is by taking Tram 22 to the 'Pražský hrad' stop. From there, it's a short walk to the Prague Castle complex. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line A to 'Malostranská' station and walk up through the Old Castle Stairs or Nerudova Street. A single 30-minute public transport ticket costs 30 CZK, while a 90-minute ticket costs 40 CZK. Validate your ticket upon entering the tram or metro.

  • Walking

    From the Old Town Square, cross the Charles Bridge and continue through Lesser Town. Follow the signs leading uphill towards Prague Castle. Enter through one of the castle gates (Na Opyši Gate, New Castle Stairs, or the I Courtyard Entrance) and follow the signs to St. George's Basilica. The walk from Charles Bridge takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Prague. A taxi ride from the city center to Prague Castle typically costs between 200-350 CZK, depending on traffic and the specific location. Ensure the taxi uses a meter and displays the official fare rates (approximately 40 CZK base fare and 36 CZK per kilometer). Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are also available.

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Discover more about St. George's Basilica

St. George's Basilica, located within the sprawling Prague Castle complex, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Czech history and religious devotion. Founded in 920 AD by Prince Vratislav I, it is the oldest preserved church within the castle grounds. Dedicated to St. George, the basilica's Romanesque architecture provides a serene contrast to the more imposing St. Vitus Cathedral nearby. Originally built in the Romanesque style, the basilica has undergone several renovations and expansions throughout its history. After a devastating fire in 1142, the church was rebuilt, incorporating two prominent white towers that still stand today. In the 17th century, the Baroque facade was added, creating the unique fusion of styles that visitors admire today. Inside, the basilica's austere yet monumental Romanesque interior evokes a sense of reverence. The tombs of members of the Premyslid dynasty, including Prince Vratislav, father of St. Wenceslas, are located in the main nave. The Gothic Chapel of St. Ludmila houses the tomb of St. Ludmila, grandmother of St. Wenceslas and an important figure in Czech Christianity. The bones of St. Theodora, an early Christian saint, are also displayed in the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk. Adjacent to the basilica is St. George's Convent, founded in 973. The convent now houses a collection of Bohemian art from the 19th century, managed by the National Gallery. Today, St. George's Basilica serves as both a place of worship and a historical site, hosting occasional classical music concerts within its ancient walls.

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