Prague's iconic St. Ludmila Church faces major restoration after serious damage discovered

One of Prague's most recognizable churches is facing extensive restoration after serious structural problems were discovered in its towers and roof.

The Basilica of St. Ludmila, which dominates Náměstí Míru in Prague's Vinohrady district, has suffered water damage and deterioration to its wooden roof structure. Both towers are also in a critical condition, according to parish officials.

Repairs to the towers alone are expected to cost approximately CZK 5 million, with the parish seeking financial support from the public, Czech Radio reports.

Although the church appears well-maintained from the outside, parish priest Jakub Karel Berka says the building has significant problems that are not immediately visible to visitors.

Water has been leaking through the roof, damaging its wooden framework, while the condition of both towers requires urgent attention.

Some repairs have already begun. Workers have removed loose sections of the roof that could pose a danger to pedestrians, and restoration work on the left side of the basilica was completed last week.

A detailed inspection of the roof's wooden structure is now being prepared, with additional work potentially beginning during the winter.

The church, which has stood on Náměstí Míru for 133 years, is one of the most prominent landmarks in Prague 2.

Designed by architect Josef Mocker and constructed between 1888 and 1892, the neo-Gothic building features two 60-meter towers, stained-glass windows and elaborate interior decorations, according to Prague City Tourism.

The most extensive repairs are expected to begin after Easter 2027, when scaffolding will be erected around the church's towers.

The parish has deliberately scheduled the main construction work for after the Christmas season to avoid disrupting the popular Christmas markets held on Náměstí Míru.

Restoration will begin on the right tower before moving to the left, with work currently expected to continue until the end of 2027.

Prague 2 has already contributed approximately CZK 1.2 million toward the project, recognizing the basilica's importance to the district's architectural heritage.

However, additional funding will be needed to complete the repairs, and the parish has launched a public fundraising effort.

The restoration aims to preserve one of Vinohrady's defining landmarks while addressing structural problems that have developed over more than a century.