Basilica of St James
The Basilica of St. James, located in Prague's Old Town, is a significant religious site with a history dating back to the 13th century. Originally a Gothic church built for the Franciscans, it was destroyed by fire and subsequently rebuilt in the Baroque style. Today, it houses notable artworks and relics, including the Madonna Pietatis and the tomb of Count Vratislav of Mitrovice, and holds the honorary title of minor basilica.
Key Facts
- ›The original church was built in the 13th century in the Gothic style for the Franciscans.
- ›The church was destroyed by fire in 1689 during the nine Years' War.
- ›The present church was rebuilt in the Baroque style and features over 20 altars with paintings by prominent artists.
- ›It is the final resting place for Count Vratislav of Mitrovice, whose tomb was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach.
- ›The basilica houses a mummified forearm believed to belong to a jewel thief.
- ›In 1974, it was granted the honorary title of minor basilica by Pope Paul VI.
Gothic, Baroque
Madonna Pietatis, Mummified Forearm of A Jewel Thief
Franciscans
Johann Bernhard Fischer Von Erlach
About Basilica of St James
Basilica of St. James
The Basilica of St. James, known in Czech as Bazilika svatého Jakuba Většího, is a significant religious edifice located in the historic Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic. Its origins trace back to the 13th century when a Gothic church was constructed for the Franciscans, though its exact appearance and location are not precisely known due to its destruction by fire.
History and Reconstruction
The original Gothic church was built in the 13th century, with its foundation linked to the acquisition of relics for Ottokar I of Bohemia. The church was tragically destroyed in a fire in 1689, believed to have been started by agents of Louis XIV of France during the Nine Years' War. Following this devastation, the church was rebuilt in the Baroque architectural style. This reconstruction significantly altered its appearance and included the addition of over twenty altars, adorned with paintings by renowned artists such as Jan Jiří Heinsch, Václav Vavřinec Reiner, and Petr Brandl. An organ was installed in 1702, and the church was granted the honorary title of minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1974.
Notable Features and Relics
The Basilica of St. James serves as the final resting place for Count Vratislav of Mitrovice, the Bohemian Chancellor of Holy Roman Emperor Joseph I. His magnificent Baroque tomb was completed in 1714 by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach. The basilica also houses a mummified forearm, a relic believed to be over 400 years old. According to legend, the arm belonged to a jewel thief who attempted to steal from the high altar, where a statue of the Virgin Mary is enshrined. It is said that Mary's statue grabbed the thief's arm, preventing his escape, and it was subsequently removed by monks.
The Organ
The basilica boasts a notable organ, with its original instrument dating from 1705, crafted by the Czech organist Abraham Starka of Loket. Over the centuries, the organ has undergone several reconstructions and modifications. Significant work was carried out in 1906 by Josef Černý and Josef Rejna, and again in 1941 to adapt it for modern compositions. The most recent major restoration occurred between 1981 and 1982, focusing on restoring Starka's original sounds using many of the original pipes and preserving its romantic tonal qualities. The current instrument features four manuals, 91 stops, and 8,277 pipes.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basilica of St. James in Prague?
The Basilica of St. James is a historic church located in the Old Town of Prague, Czech Republic. It is known for its Gothic origins and Baroque reconstruction, as well as housing important religious artifacts and tombs.
What is the history of the Basilica of St. James?
The original church was built in the 13th century in the Gothic style. It was destroyed by a fire in 1689 and subsequently rebuilt in the Baroque style.
What notable features are inside the Basilica of St. James?
The basilica is home to the Madonna Pietatis and the tomb of Count Vratislav of Mitrovice. It also contains a mummified forearm of a purported jewel thief.
When was the Basilica of St. James designated a minor basilica?
The church was granted the honorary title of minor basilica by Pope Paul VI in 1974.
What is the architectural style of the present church?
The present church was rebuilt in the Baroque architecture style after the original Gothic structure was destroyed by fire.
Who is buried in the Basilica of St. James?
Count Vratislav of Mitrovice, Bohemian Chancellor of Holy Roman Emperor Joseph I, is buried in the basilica. His magnificent Baroque tomb was designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach.
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