The Church of St. George in Prague, the city's second church, was commissioned by Prince Vratislav I in the early 10th century. A few decades later, Prince Boleslav II sent his 12-year-old sister, Mlada, to Rome to become a nun and to obtain the Pope's approval for establishing a bishopric in Prague. She succeeded, and in 973, she returned with the Pope's permission.

To commemorate this event, the church was rebuilt as a basilica, and the first Benedictine convent in the Czech lands was founded. Mlada became the first abbess of this convent. From then on, the abbesses of St. George's Basilica were always members of the ruling family. They wore small crowns with their monastic habits as a symbol of their status. Additionally, Emperor Charles IV later granted them the privilege of crowning the queens of Bohemia.

Rear view of St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle, showing its Romanesque architecture between narrow streets.

In the 18th century, the monastery was closed by order of Emperor Joseph II of Habsburg, who, as was his custom, converted the site into military barracks. In modern times, the former monastery was used by the National Gallery Prague for exhibitions, but it is now reserved for temporary displays.

Detailed stone relief depicting St. George slaying the dragon, located at St. George's Basilica in Prague Castle.

The Basilica of St. George is considered one of the best-preserved Romanesque buildings in Bohemia, though it has undergone changes over the centuries. These include the Gothic Chapel of Saint Ludmila from the 13th century, the Renaissance south portal from the 16th century, and the Baroque west facade and chapel of St. John of Nepomuk. On the basilica's side facing Jirská Street, you can see a relief of St. George fighting a dragon, as well as sculptures of Mlada, Prince Vratislav, and St. John of Nepomuk.

Several members of the Přemyslid dynasty are buried here, and the most important tomb is that of St. Ludmila, a pilgrimage site for Christians from across Europe. In the crypt, there is an unusual exhibit: a sculpture of a decomposing female figure. According to legend, the Italian master Spinetti carved it in the 18th century as punishment for the murder of his beloved woman. However, nowadays, scientists believe the sculpture is about 200 years older.

The basilica can be visited as part of the Prague Castle complex. For the latest ticket prices and opening hours visit the official website.

The Baroque west facade of St. George's Basilica and the Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk at Prague Castle

If you want to make the most of your visit to Prague, there are plenty of exciting activities and tours to explore the city’s history, architecture, and culture. From guided walking tours through the Old Town to boat trips along the Vltava River, you can discover hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Check out a curated selection of top Prague experiences on the GetYourGuide platform to plan an unforgettable trip.