An early dynastic foundation
Prince Vratislav I founded the church around 920. A Benedictine convent was established beside it in 973, and the church was enlarged. Its surviving fabric is not all from that first foundation: the rebuilding after the fire of 1142 gave the basilica much of its Romanesque character.
Two periods in one view
The red western façade is Baroque, while the towers and interior belong to a much older architectural tradition. Inside, the nave contains tombs associated with the Přemyslid rulers, including Vratislav. A chapel dedicated to St. Ludmila was added in the thirteenth century.
Restoration is part of the story
The basilica underwent restoration between 1887 and 1908 under architect František Mach. His work sought to recover its Romanesque appearance. What visitors see is therefore both a medieval building and the result of later decisions about how to preserve it.
A rewarding comparison
Visit with the Cathedral in mind. Compare the weight of the walls, the shape of the arches and the amount of light. These differences offer a direct introduction to Romanesque and Gothic architecture, without needing a specialist vocabulary.