Basilica of St. Peter and Paul

Prague, Czech Republic

The Basilica of St Peter and St Paul is a neo-Gothic church in Vyšehrad fortress. Originally founded in 1070-1080 by the Czech King Vratislav II, the Romanesque basilica suffered a fire in the year 1249 and has been rebuilt in Gothic and later in neo-Gothic style. The basilica features an impressive stone mosaic above its entry, and its twin 58 m towers can be seen atop a hill to the south from along the Vltava River in central Prague.

The current building itself is a neo-Gothic basilica constructed between 1885 and 1903. The main part of the church consists of a nave with two side aisles; a large choir, sanctuary and apse; and two side rooms which hold a sacristy and a chapel for Panna Maria Šancovská Our Lady of the Ramparts.

History is the dominant element thematically of the interior décor; the history of art, Christianity and the Czech lands are all aspects of the decoration. As a piece of art history the church is something of an exhibition of Gothic, art nouveau and even Baroque pieces.

Along with the design of the building the main altar, the pulpit, and all the smaller altars in the side chapels are neo Gothic as well. They are intricately carved with mini-spires and tracery throughout. Even the organ which sits above the entrance has hollow spires matching those of the western towers. In addition, each chapel contains Gothic revival paintings. The theme of the stained glass windows is the history of Gothic architecture; each window portrays Jesus before a different Gothic or neo-Gothic church. Completing the tribute to the Gothic style is a large fresco at the eastern end of the northern aisle of the first Gothic church to stand on the spot.

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Founded: 1885-1903
Category: Religious sites in Czech Republic

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4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Evenkeel Huang (4 months ago)
The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (Bazilika svatého Petra a Pavla) is located within the Vyšehrad fortress in Prague. Founded between 1070 and 1080 by King Vratislaus II of Bohemia, this church has undergone multiple reconstructions throughout its history. Initially built in Romanesque style, it was later rebuilt in Gothic style and finally in Neo-Gothic style by the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The church’s façade features three distinctive doors, which are quite remarkable. Behind the basilica is the Vyšehrad cemetery, the final resting place of many famous Czechs, including author Karel Čapek and composer Antonín Dvořák. It’s worth a visit if you have the time.
Ian Cross (5 months ago)
The cathedral is beautiful, with a pair of impressive doors. The walls and ceilings are covered in paintings, which to my eye resemble the art of Mucha. There is a chapel dedicated to St John of Nepomuk, who was thrown off the Charles Bridge and drowned after he refused to divulge the Queen's secrets of the confessional. For this he was beatified. His body was recovered from the river and buried. A couple of centuries later, his remains were exhumed and people thought they could see his tongue moving... But obviously not speaking. In fact it was a bit of brain tissue and blood clot, not his tongue at all.
John Kessler (6 months ago)
This Basilica and the surrounding grounds are beautiful. The original church is about 1000 years old and the additions are breath taking . If you have time read about the history of the property before you go.
Anna Edna (6 months ago)
I spent amazing time in the parks near Basilica, amazing views, very calm, fresh air, and no so many people as in other parks,
Connie O (8 months ago)
Best to go with a guide, who can offer a bit of history about the cemetery and the church. It's not as crowded as Old Town so it's a way to see Prague and get away from the crowds.
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