St George's Basilica (Prague)

Located in the grounds of Prague's medieval castle is St. George's Basilica, the best preserved Romanesque building in the city. Founded in 920AD, it has been the final resting place for generations of Bohemia's royal family, is a Benedictine convent and now also houses the Czech National Gallery's collection of Baroque art. There is also a full program of classical concerts held through the year. Its current facade dates from the 17th century, and is a photogenic image of red brick sandwiched between two large white towers. Short breaks in Prague are great for history lovers, who should find time to soak up a millennium of turbulent history in its hallowed interior which still retains many of its original features.

The interior of St George's Basilica is surprisingly cavernous, and seems conspicuously older than its exterior. In the south wing is the 13th century Chapel of St. Ludmila, which houses the tomb of the martyred saint surrounded by renaissance wall paintings. In the main nave are a succession of tombs of princes from the Premyslid dynasty, which date right back to the 10th century. It is decorated with a colourful array of early Baroque wall paintings and topped off with an imposing wooden crucifix which seems to dominate the whole interior. On cheap city breaks in Prague, you will marvel at some lovely works of art in situ which also comprise altar paintings and dome frescoes.

Art lovers on weekend breaks in Prague will also be in their element in the Benedictine convent wing of St George’s Basilica, which now houses an annexe of Prague’s National Art Gallery. Predominantly showcasing 18th and 19th century Czech art, you can browse exquisite sculpture and paintings from the Baroque period. There are also some artefacts from early medieval times. Finding your way to St George's Basilica is as simple as looking skywards. Its two striking white towers can be seen from almost any vantage point in Prague.