Prague Castle, Part 2

15-Aug-2012 • Prague Czech Republic

St. George's Basilica at Prague Castle founded in 915 AD

This basilica is said to be the second oldest in Prague but the oldest one preserved at the Prague Castle. It was founded in 920 by Premysild Duke Vratislav I and is considered to one of the best Romanesque buildings in the country.

St. George's Basilica was a burial place of rulers from the Premyslid dynasty til 1055. Several rulers from the early existence of the country are buried there. The first Czech Christian martyr St. Ludmila was buried there as well in the 10th century before her relics were later moved to the Chapel of St. Ludmila.

In front of St. George's Basilica

When you look at the basilica, the most noticeable are the two white prismatic towers. They were added to the basilica in the 12th century, when it was rebuilt. The narrow northern tower was called Eve and the bigger southern one was called Adam.

One of the Romanesque walls inside the basilica

An altar inside the Basilica

I am not quite sure whose bones these were exhibited inside the basilica. I must say they look quite eerie. I would think that such an exhibit would be accompanied by some kind of informative sign or plaque like many monuments, statues, or exhibits usually do. I had to search for some information about it on the internet but I couldn't find anything definite. All I found were assumptions and guesses made by other travelers to the basilica who also took pictures of the bones and posted them on their respective blogs. Some thought it was St. Ludmila's while another one mentioned they belonged to St. Ludmila's jealous daughter in law. The latter aassumption didn't seem right to me though. Why would a murderer's bones be showcased and decorated with flowers inside one of the coutnry's most venerable churches together with other prominent Czech figures. I do agree with what another person did say about it: It is to serve as a reminder of people's immortality and impermanence. I am fine with that thought.