Discover the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul

Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Prague

basilica of st peter and st paul vysehrad

The distinctive twin steeples, which are a highlight of the Vyšehrad skyline, were built in 1903, following a neo-Gothic renovation of the basilica by architect Josef Mocker in the 1880s. The inside of the church is a colorful amalgamation of art nouveau frescoes painted by numerous Czech artists.

The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul is among the city's most striking examples of Slavic Art Nouveau architecture. It's hard to believe that the magnificent chapel isn't the first location that people are asked to go to when they visit Prague. The expansive art nouveau murals that surround this edifice are breathtaking and a must-see for anybody visiting Prague. The visit also acts as a historical lesson on the Slavic people, Czech society, and even art.

History of the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul

The capitulary and the parish church were established by Prince Vratislav II in the 2nd half of the 11th century on the model of the Roman Church of St Peter and Paul. The church was destroyed by fire in 1249, and the original concept was lost to the ages. The first rebuilding was a modest effort aimed at restoring the structure's function rather than its appearance.

The church received a baroque frontispiece years later, but neo-gothic modifications in the 1880s destroyed all traces of this design. In 1885, a neo-gothic church was constructed as part of the new reconstruction. The construction was finally concluded in 1903. Pope John Paul II elevated the church to basilica status in 2003, underling its historic significance and honoring its antiquity.

Vyšehrad History

Architectural Highlights of the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Prague

Gothic Fresco in the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. at Vysehrad

Theme of the interiors

The theme of the interior designs is history; the history of art, Christianity, and the Czech lands are all components of the decoration. Academic painters Frantiek Urban and his wife Marie painted ornamental and figural secession wall paintings for the temple's interior between 1902 and 1903. Winged women with no names border the nave's archways and fill the vault sections of the arcades. Floral designs and colorful ribbons go up the pillars and along the borders of each picture. The vibrant greens and browns that dominate the interior provide the impression of being inside a forest.

Nave's ceiling

Murals inside the basilica

the twin towers of the basilica of st. peter and st. paul at vysehrad

Present structure of the basilica

The present structure is a neo-Gothic basilica. It was built between the years 1887 and 1903. Joseph Mocker was the first master builder, but he expired in the middle of the project. It was completed by his associate Frantisek Miks, who modified Mocker's original façade and tower designs.

Main part of the basilica

Western façade of the basilica

Frequently Asked Questions on the Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul, Prague

Q. What is the architectural style of the Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul in Vysehrad?

A. The architectural styles implemented in the construction of the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul founded are Gothic and Art Nouveau.

Q. Is the Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul one of the best churches in Prague?

A. Yes, Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul is one of the best churches in Prague. It is known for its majestic, 58 meter twin towers and art-nouveau murals.

Q. What is the Romanesque basilica of Prague?

A. Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul at Vyšehrad is the Romanesque Basilica of Prague.

Q. When was the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul founded?

A. The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul was founded around 1070 CE.

Q. Where is the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul?

A. The Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul is located at Štulcova, 128 00 Praha 2-Vyšehrad, Czechia.

Q. Where is the Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul located in Prague?

A. The Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul is located in Vyšehrad, a citadel to the west of the Vltava river.

Q. Where can I buy tickets to the Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul?

A. You can purchase online Vyšehrad tickets to visit Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul.