- Address: 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 224 911 353
- Architectural style: Neo-Gothic
- Condition: active
- Denomination: Catholicism
The most famous Christian temple in Prague is the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul (Bazilika svatého Petra a Pavla). In the olden days, Czech statehood was born on this site, so the attraction is popular not only among pilgrims, but also among those tourists who are interested in the history of the country.
Stages of construction
At the end of the XI century, Vratislav the Second created a royal residence in Vysehrad and, in opposition to the Prague diocese, decided to build his own Catholic church. In 1070 he received the blessing of the Pope and ordered the erection of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which was to be a copy of the same name of the Italian Cathedral.
During its history the church was subjected to several destruction and restoration. The most famous of them are the following:
- in 1249 - the building was almost completely burned, and then it was restored in the Gothic style;
- in the XV century - the basilica suffered during the Hussite wars, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style;
- in the XIX century - in Vysehrad was a large-scale reconstruction, during which the church was altered. The Basilica of Peter and Paul in Prague acquired its modern look. It was built in the Neo-Gothic style. Two double spiers have been attached to the facade of the building, their height reaches 58 m. Today they are symbols of the capital, and their images can be seen on many souvenirs .
Description of the temple
The church is a 3-nave pseudas basilica with chapels and sacristies. The facade of the building is decorated with decorated portals, symmetrical towers and a plaque, installed in honor of the baptism of 14 princes in 845.
The interior of St. Peter and Paul's Basilica impresses with its splendor and beauty. Its walls are decorated with figural paintings, stained-glass windows, panels and ornaments made by the Urban couple in the Art Nouveau style at the beginning of the 20th century. In the lateral naves there are 5 chapels.
The church has 17 bells. For each event, ringers "ring" a certain melody. In 2003, the Pope awarded the temple the status of Basilica minor, which gives additional privileges.
What to see in the temple?
During the tour of the basilica, special attention should be paid to:
- The picture , located on the wall of the left nave, which depicts Vyšehrad. It was written in 1420 in the Baroque style.
- Presbytery , where are the frescoes created by Viennese painter Carl Jobst. They can see scenes from the life of the apostles.
- The main altar of the temple , on which are carved images of Saint Methodius and Cyril, the apostles Peter and Paul. A masterful work was performed by a Czech master named Jan Kastner.
- The third chapel , where the panel of the Virgin Mary of Visegradskaya is kept. In 1606 he was sacrificed by the secret counselor of Rudolph II. It is believed that this image was written by Saint Luke himself.
- One of the chapels , where there is a stone sarcophagus. He was brought from Rome in the 11th century. It is assumed that it contains the remains of Longinus, who was present during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. By the way, archaeologists have conducted a study of the tomb and discovered in it an icon dating from the 14th century.
In the basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, you can see gold crosses, icons and bowls, silver ornaments, as well as old fragments of shoes and fabrics that belonged to Vratislav. Previously, these artifacts were in the vault and were hidden from prying eyes.
Features of visit
At the present time in the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul regularly held divine services. Visit the temple every day from 10:00 to 16:00. The cost of the ticket is $ 1.5 for adults, $ 0.5 for students and pensioners, children under 15 years of age are free.
How to get there?
You can reach the church by metro, the station is called Vyšehrad, and on one of the trams Nos. 2, 3, 7, 17, 21 (in the afternoon) and 92 (at night). You need to leave at the Výto останов stop. From the center of Prague to the basilica, tourists will reach the streets of Žitná, Sokolská and Nuselský most. The distance is about 3 km.