St. George’s Basilica

Bazilika sv. Jiří (St. George’s Basilica), tucked behind the grandeur of St. Vitus Cathedral, offers an intimate encounter with the oldest surviving church building within Prague Castle, and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the Czech Republic.

Founded around 920 by Prince Vratislav I, it later became the burial site of Bohemian royalty, most notably St. Ludmila, grandmother of St. Wenceslas and one of the nation’s most revered saints. It was expanded in 973 with the establishment of the adjacent Benedictine convent, becoming the spiritual heart of early Bohemian Christianity.

The church’s austere red façade, added in the Baroque period, contrasts with its simple Romanesque interior, where rounded arches and thick stone walls evoke early medieval worship. The crypt and lower church preserve remnants of the original 10th-century structure, offering a glimpse into the deep Christian roots of the Czech lands.

The adjacent Convent of St. George now houses part of the National Gallery’s collection of Czech art, adding another layer of cultural richness to the site. The basilica is often used today for classical music concerts, thanks to its excellent acoustics, offering a truly atmospheric way to experience the space, making it both a historical and cultural highlight of any Castle visit.

The serene atmosphere and lower foot traffic compared to the cathedral make this a particularly rewarding stop for those seeking a quieter, contemplative experience amid the grandeur of the Castle complex.

💡 Top Tip 💡

Take a moment outside—the basilica’s striking red façade and the cobbled square around it are among the most photogenic corners of the Castle complex.

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📅 Plan your visit  

🏰 Prague Castle Main Circuit Ticket (incl. Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George’s Basilica & Golden Lane)
🕒 Opening Hours:
      Apr–Oct: 9:00–17:00
      Nov–Mar: 9:00–16:00
🌐 Buy Tickets Online to avoid queues Tickets MUST be PRINTED!!!!
🎟 On-site: Tickets available at Prague Castle Information Centre ticket office (across the Cathedral)

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🍴Where to eat : 

(Here are some suggestions. All are within 7 min walking from your current location).

 

[$]

- U Pivrnce (Classic Czech pub with local beer and hearty cuisine) 4.6 ⭐

- U Dvou Slunců (Historic Czech restaurant with literary heritage) 4.5 ⭐

 

[$]

- Lobkowicz Palace Café (Elegant café with homemade food and castle views) 4.4 ⭐ 

- Snack Café U Raka (Charming café with homemade treats in a fairytale setting) 4.7 ⭐ 

- U Stříbrné kočky (Cozy Czech pub with local beers and homestyle cooking) 4.4 ⭐

 

[$$]

- Vikárka Restaurant (Historic Czech dining right at Prague Castle) 4.2 ⭐ 

- Kuchyň (Traditional Czech cuisine with stunning castle views) 4.6 ⭐

- Lví Dvůr (Elegant Czech restaurant with castle views and garden terrace) 4.1 ⭐ 

 

[$$]

- Terasa U Zlaté studně (Fine dining with panoramic castle views) 4.7 ⭐  

- Coda Restaurant (Fine dining with panoramic rooftop terrace) 4.6 ⭐