Basilica of St George

The striking, brick-red, early-baroque façade that dominates the square conceals the Czech Republic’s best-preserved Romanesque church, established in the 10th century by Vratislav I (the father of St Wenceslas). What you see today is mostly the result of restorations made between 1887 and 1908. The austerity of the Romanesque nave is relieved by a baroque double staircase leading to the apse, where fragments of 12th-century frescoes survive. In front of the stairs lie the tombs of Prince Boleslav II (d 997; on the left) and Prince Vratislav I (d 921), the church’s founder. The arch beneath the stairs allows a glimpse of the 12th-century crypt; Přemysl kings are buried here and in the nave. The tiny baroque chapel beside the entrance is dedicated to St John of Nepomuk (his tomb lies in St Vitus Cathedral). It's also a popular concert venue for classical music.