Happy birthday, Basilica of St. Ludmila! Prague landmark turns 130

Prague's iconic Basilica of Saint Ludmila, which dominates bustling Náměstí Míru in the Czech capital's Vinohrady district, is celebrating its 130th birthday today. Despite its timeless appearance, the neo-Gothic masterpiece was consecrated on October 8, 1893.

For much of its history, the Prague landmark was known as the Church of Saint Ludmila. Late last year, however, the church was elevated to Basilica status by the Catholic Church, joining just four other Basilicas in Prague.

Designed by architect Josef Mocker, the Basilica of Saint Ludmila exhibits architectural influences from early Gothic structures in northern Germany. Constructed from cut bricks and slate for roofing, Vinohrady (at the time a separate city from Prague) funded the project with support from the Association for the Support of the Construction of the Votive Church of the Lord St. Ludmila.

The basilica's striking tympanum relief features Christ, St. Wenceslas, and Ludmila, sculpted by Josef Václav Myslbek, along with emblems of the evangelists by Jan Čapek. Although the church honors St. Ludmila, her tomb rests in the Basilica of St. George at Prague Castle.

In recognition of its significance, the church received the title of Basilica Minor from the Pope Francis last year, emphasizing its importance to the local community. It was officially elevated to Basilica status during the Feast of St. Ludmila on September 16.

This prestigious designation marks it as the sole basilica to St. Ludmila globally and the fifth basilica in Prague, alongside St. James the Elder, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Strahov, St. Markéta in Břevnov, and St. Peter and Paul in Vyšehrad.

To celebrate its 130th anniversary, a special Holy Mass attended by the Archbishop of Prague and Primate of the Czech Republic, Jan Graubner, along with other dignitaries was held earlier this morning.

Additionally, Saint Ludmila's treasures, including religious artifacts and relics, will be showcased in an exhibition of the same name on Monday, October 9, with two viewing sessions from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Visitors to Náměstí Míru tomorrow will have a rare chance to see Saint Ludmila's treasures as they appreciate they appreciate this historic Prague landmark of both architectural and cultural significance.

The former Church of Saint Ludmila was a longtime favorite among patrons of Prague's Signal Festival, and hosted some spectacular videomapping light shows across its front facade throughout the years.

This year's Signal Festival kicks off later this week, running from October 12-15. While the Basilica of Saint Ludmila won't be part of the festivities, which travese different routes than past years, fans can catch a videomapping show from Japanese artist Flightgraf on the facade of the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Karlín.